2009 Last Row Party

Indianapolis 500 drivers Nelson Philippe, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Alex Tagliani at the May 22, 2009 Last Row Party.

One of the “500’s” best peripheral events for fans, Last Row Party attendees can mingle with Indianapolis 500 drivers, share a laugh at the drivers’ expense and support a great cause.
 
The event benefits the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, which annually presents thousands of dollars in scholarships and cash prizes to journalism students who attend Indiana colleges and universities.
 
Since 1973, the Last Row Party has paid tribute to the resilient drivers claiming the 31st, 32nd and 33rd spots in the Indianapolis 500 field.
 
Many open-wheel racing legends have occupied a space in the back row of the Indianapolis 500 field in the past, including former “500” winners Mario Andretti, Gordon Johncock, Buddy Lazier, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva and Al Unser.
 
The back-row qualifiers are awarded special jackets, checks for 31, 32 and 33 cents, respectively, and have their names affixed to a trophy honoring all 11th-row starters. A highlight of the evening’s festivities is the Press Club Foundation’s silent and live auctions of racing and other sports memorabilia, tickets to major sporting events, vacation trips, restaurant gift cards and entertainment gift certificates.

2008 Last Row Party honorees
Buddy Lazier, A.J. Foyt IV and Marty Roth