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Jim Cornelison returning to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana" for 2018 Indy 500

Posted at 10:44 AM, Oct 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-25 10:52:11-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jim Cornelison, the voice of "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the 2017 Indianapolis 500, will return in 2018 for the same song.

Cornelison is known for singing "The Star-Spangled Banner"  at Chicago Blackhawks' home games. He sang "Back Home Again in Indiana" to praise from Hoosiers, leading to his return in 2018.

“Jim perfectly captured the powerful emotion behind one of Race Day’s most iconic moments, and barely a day has gone by without a fan asking us to bring him back for next year’s race,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “We’re happy he’s returning to IMS and we’re grateful to our friends with the Blackhawks’ organization for working with us to make this happen.” 

Cornelison graduated from Indiana University in 1992.

For decades, Jim Nabors sang “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the start of every Indy 500 race. Nabors carried on the tradition from 1972 until 2014 – when health issues forced him to step down and pass on the torch.

“Last year was such an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to come back to Indy,” Cornelison said. “I already have Race Day circled on my calendar!” 

Tickets for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Watch Cornelison sing "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the Indy 500 in the video player above. 

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