'It's such a rush': Jim Cornelison discusses Indy 500 performance

INDIANAPOLIS - The Month of May has arrived and we're all thinking about the Indianapolis 500.




One of the best parts of the 500 is the pre-race pageantry, and Jim Cornelison plays a large role. He's been singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" since 2017, taking over a race-day tradition made famous by the late Jim Nabors.




What does race week look like for Cornelison?




"I'm always there about Thursday," he said. "I will sing the song a few times during the week just because I'm a big believer in over-preparation and maybe I get a little obsessive about it, right? But once you walk out there, you have to be good to go."




The pre-race festivities are important to Hoosiers and Indy 500 fans. Cornelison recognizes the unique role the song plays on race day.




"It's a very special thing to be part of, and it's an honor to be part of the race. I mean, what an unbelievable venue, and it's not equaled by anything else," he said. "But it has blown me away how much people have come for generations to the race and what it can mean to them."




Cornelison has put his pipes to good use, singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "O Canada" prior to Chicago Blackhawks games. He's also performed at Chicago Bulls, Cubs and White Sox games, among many other events.




Nothing compares to his time in the spotlight at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.




"When I show up each year in town and I drive into the track, it's such a rush," he said. "Everything is dressed up and ready to go. So, it's once a year, that's one. The number of people, of course, oh my goodness, there's nothing else comparable to that."




After delivering his stirring rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana," it's time for Cornelison to kick back and enjoy the day.




"When I get done, I walk down to where we all exit, I watch the cars go by for a couple laps and then I go to the pagoda and I ask for a bloody Mary," he said. "It's a moment to say, 'Hey job well done, this is why you're here, just relax and enjoy the race.'"



via: https://fox59.com/news/indy-500-sports/its-such-a-rush-jim-cornelison-discusses-indy-500-performance/