Indiana University Athletics
Crean Visits Indy 500 Practice
5/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 9, 2008
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Indiana University men's basketball coach Tom Crean was invited to serve as the honorary starter Thursday, May 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Hoosier coach was slated to start practice rounds for the Indy 500 around noon, but rain postponed any events on the track.
All was not lost as Crean and assistant coach Bennie Seltzer and video coordinator Brian Barone got to take four laps in the pace car with Indy 500 legend Johnny Rutherford.
In addition, the Hoosier contingent visited Gasoline Alley and the garages of the Penske Racing Team and Panther Racing Team. Crean is friends with Panther Racing Co-Owner John Barnes.
"There is a lot of excitement to be here and to see John again. We've talked, but it's the first time I have seen him since I have been the Indiana coach, said Crean. "We've known each other a long time. Our family, the Harbaughs and the Creans have incredible respect for him. It's a lifelong friendship and to know now that we are going to have a lot more time to be together, and knowing that he is going to be a part of the scene with us at Indiana, means a lot."
Following lunch in the Panther Racing suite, Crean was given a tour of the Indy 500 museum.
