Did you know your official 2021 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon shirt and medal includes a hidden tribute? That’s right! Take a closer look to try and find it.
The purpose of this year’s hidden tribute in the participant shirt and finisher medal is to honor the life and legacy of Pat Kennedy, a passionate race fan and 500 Festival ambassador, who unfortunately passed away in April after contracting COVID-19. Kennedy was a past 500 Festival Board Director, a board member of the 500 Festival Foundation, and was part of the 500 Mile Oldtimers Organization.
Kennedy was the fourth-generation President of Kennedy Tank & Manufacturing Co., which was a longtime gas tank supplier for the Indy 500. In an IndyStar article on Kennedy’s life, his sister, Ann Bolin, said, “Every single race day, he would say, ‘Today is better than Christmas.’” It is no secret that Kennedy felt at home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dedicated to educating others on the history of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, Kennedy wrote two books: “The Official Indy 500 Trivia Book,” including 704 multiple choice questions, and “Indy 500 Recaps the Short Chute Edition,” which summarizes every running of the Indy 500.
Each year, Kennedy would donate his latest edition of “Indy 500 Recaps – The Short Chute Edition” to the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. His generously donated books continue to be an integral component acting as an encyclopedia of sorts on the subject for the thousands of Indiana fourth grade students in the program. Kennedy’s contributions over the many years have a lifelong impact and will continue to enrich the lives of Hoosiers through his surviving mission to celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and 500 Festival events.
In a special edition of “Kennedy Tank Talk,” the Kennedy family said, “Pat will be remembered as one of the most selfless, generous, and kind leaders in the industry.” Kennedy’s passionate heart will leave a lasting legacy that will continue to further the spirit and celebrations of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500.
Let us know if you can find the tribute paying homage to Pat Kennedy in both the 2021 #IndyMini shirt and medal.