Jim Nabors is as much a part of the Indianapolis 500 as letting the balloons fly, the green flag, drinking the milk, just any part of it. The singing of "Back Home In Indiana" always brings a tear to my eye also. I can see in my mind the fields people are working between Evansville and Terre Haute, I even get the smell of the new mown hay. That's what I love about the Indy 500, in this day of crazy ********, sensationalism of news on TV...you can go or watch the Indy 500 and with all the tradition, it restores your patriotism, a lot of families enjoying the same event...restores your faith in people getting along. It reminds you to take time and enjoy life and have fun.
Jim Nabors singing that song is probably one of the best ambassador activities Indiana has put forward each year.

Maybe they will always play a version in the future, that may be nice. I am sure they will do something appropriate.

No matter the racing aspect of the Indy 500, the traditions are almost as important as the cars on the track.