30th Annual Memorabilia Show This Weekend

What began as essentially a “swap meet” among a relatively small group of racing collectible enthusiasts has now reached its 30th Anniversary. The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show has experienced a colorful and successful evolution and is now solidly associated as one of the unique events tied to the running of the Indianapolis 500.

What began as essentially a “swap meet” among a relatively small group of racing collectible enthusiasts has now reached its 30th Anniversary. The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show has experienced a colorful and successful evolution and is now solidly associated as one of the unique events tied to the running of the Indianapolis 500.

In 1979, the first gathering of Indy 500 memorabilia collectors took place at the old Howard Johnson’s Motel on Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. After a few years at the HoJo, the event moved into the newly constructed Indianapolis Convention Center. In 2005 the annual show moved to the Indiana State Fairgrounds where it is currently held.

The event is now the second-oldest continually operated sports memorabilia show in the country. Each year thousands of auto racing aficionados converge on the site of the Show to buy, sell and trade items that would be difficult, or impossible, to find anywhere else in town, on that weekend. The dealers come from literally all corners of the U.S. and some foreign countries. The fans come from an even more diverse list of home towns. If you are looking for unique souvenirs, sought-after items for the well-established collection, or one-of-a-kind artifacts, the NARM Show presents your best possibilities for success. You can find crew-used uniforms, driver autographs, programs back to the 20s, pieces of car bodywork, photos, artwork, advertising pieces and so much more.

Some details for 2008 are:

Friday, May 23 1:00 PM- 7:30 PM
30th Annual National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show at the State Fairgrounds.
In the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion.
Includes personal appearances by: Jerry Grant and long-time 500 veteran drivers Gary Bettenhausen and Mel Kenyon.
Advice from Chris Economaki: “If you are coming to Indy for the Race, you don’t want to miss this!”
NARM Show has been labeled for years by Andy Granatelli as, “The best-kept secret of the 500 Weekend.”
Adult Friday admission is $10 for the general public.

Saturday, May 24 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM.
30th Annual National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show at the State Fairgrounds.
In the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion.
Includes personal appearances by 1960 Indy 500 winner Jim Rathmann, Midget and Indy car star Mel Kenyon, Indy veterans Jerry Sneva and Bob Harkey, and possibly Mr. 500: Andy Granatelli.
Speed Channel’s Robin Miller says, “This show is terrific. I never, ever, miss it.”
Adult Saturday admission is $7 to the general public. Admission for Young Persons, ages 7-14, is $3 each day.