Mr. First in Line
If there was a gold medal for dedication to the Indianapolis 500, Larry Bisceglia would have taken it home every single year… for 37 straight years. That’s right. Larry attended the race for 37 consecutive years, successfully being first in line every year. Rain or shine, sleet or blazing sun, Larry was first in line when the gates opened for race day. Every. Single. Time.
Becoming a Staple
Armed with lawn chairs, a cooler, and a love for the Speedway that burned brighter than the May sun, Larry staked his claim at the front of the queue before most people had even packed their sunscreen. He treated opening day like a holiday, and for him, being first wasn’t about bragging rights – it was about tradition, joy, and sheer love for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. In 1958, IMS gave Larry a lifetime pass to the race, and by the mid-1960s, a spot was saved for him complete with electric outlets to run his appliances during the wait.
Each year, fans, media, and even drivers began to expect Larry at the head of the line like clockwork. He’d camp out, chat with fellow fans, and spread his infectious energy like confetti. Need directions? Larry had you covered. Want to swap stories? Pull up a chair. He was more than the first person through the gates – he was the unofficial greeter of the Indy 500, a living legend who kicked off the day with a grin and his famous chant: “I love the Indy 500!”
And while Larry also became known for his quirky tradition of trading hats (his other signature move), it was his front-of-the-line status that truly made him iconic. It takes serious devotion to beat tens of thousands of fans year after year. Larry made it look easy.
Larry's Last Race
In 1986, Larry’s health started to fail, and for the first time in 37 years, he didn’t make it for opening day. The racing community felt his absence and worked to find a way to get him back to the race. He received many offers to fly him out, and even Mario Andretti contributed to the fund. Larry made it back to the track for his final race in 1987 at 89 years old. His legacy lives on in the form of hat swaps, early morning lineups, and fans who still chant his famous words with a smile. His 1951 Chevy panel truck remains in the care of the IMS Museum.
Next time you're lining up at the crack of dawn, give a nod to Larry Bisceglia because at the Indy 500, legends don’t always wear fire suits. Sometimes, they just carry a folding chair and a whole lot of heart.
