Overview
Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019, Ray is a cancer patient and caregiver advocate every day of the week that ends in a “y.” And with life’s soundtrack constantly playing in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres.
The Indy 500 chronicles the tradition, pageantry, and on-track danger of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Not only is it the biggest auto race in the world, but with over 350,000 spectators, the Indianapolis 500 is annually the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
Interrupted only by world wars, the Indy 500 has been a Memorial Day tradition since 1911, and race car drivers from around the world flock to test themselves and their cars against the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and their fellow competitors.
But first they must qualify for the thirty-three-car starting field.
The Indy 500 chronicles the 108th Indy 500 in 2024—the key players and events of a year-long journey, from the last laps of the 2023 race won in thrilling fashion by Josef Newgarden to the checkered flag at the end of the 2024 race. With thirty-four cars entered for just thirty-three spots, it delves into the drivers’ and race teams’ quest for speed leading up to qualification and highlights the challenges faced by both highly funded race teams and upstart longshots.
Once the race begins, so does its lap-by-lap danger and drama. Any small mistake, either on the track or in the pits, could not only end a driver’s race but could also result in a tragic on-track crash. The 2023 Indy 500 ended with a last-lap overtake for victory. Would 2024 see a repeat?
The Indy 500 is a collection of stories from the 2024 Indy 500, and while the characters might change, the thrilling storylines and themes persist year after year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This book title, The Indy 500 (A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing), ISBN: 9781636985817, by Ray Hartjen, published by Morgan James Publishing (May 6, 2025) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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