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 in to 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.

The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Indy 500 pace car on display at the 2007 NARM Show. (Photos courtesy of the NARM Show.)

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.

Bill Vukovich, Jr. signs a wing at the 2007 NARM Show.

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!" Adult Friday admission is $10 for the general public. Has been labeled, for years, by Andy Granatelli as, "The best-kept secret of the 500 Weekend."

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 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.

www.NARMShow.com

Additional information: John Douglas (765) 482-3477

Copyright © 2008 by the NARM Show and Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.