Jim Nabors was the regular singer of “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500 from 1972 to 2014. His rich baritone became one of the race’s most recognizable pre-race sounds, alongside the command for drivers to start their engines.
Nabors first performed the song in 1972 after attending the race as a guest of businessman Bill Harrah. Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman reportedly asked him to sing, and Nabors initially thought he would perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Instead, he learned at the last moment that he was expected to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana.”
He returned repeatedly and performed the song 36 times overall, although other singers filled the role during some years. Nabors announced that the 2014 race would be his final appearance because of health and travel concerns. After his retirement, the performance briefly rotated among singers before Jim Cornelison became the regular replacement.