Indiana Gov. Holcomb speaks on 108th running of the Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is on hand for the biggest day of the year in Central Indiana.

Holcomb spoke with FOX59 Anchors Daniel Miller and Angela Ganote Sunday morning before the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. This is Holcomb’s last Indianapolis 500 as Indiana’s governor, with the state electing a new governor during the general election in November.

Holcomb, a Republican, is prevented from seeking reelection this year because of state term limits laws. U.S. Senator Mike Braun, R-Ind. a Republican, Jennifer McCormick, a Democrat, and Donald Rainwater, a Libertarian, are running for the open position in November.

Holcomb said that this is an opportunity for the world to see what Central Indiana has to offer.

“It’s the perfect theme for what Indiana’s all about right now as we look out over the horizon and talk about how innovation is really changing the world and we want to change it for the better,” Holcomb said. “This track was built in 1909 as a test track as a platform for innovation for engines. So we really have come full circle or full oval, if you will. And now we’re talking about the future of energy and the future of food and the future of mobility. And it’s all happening here.”

Holcomb said he is hopeful that a full race will be able to occur on Sunday afternoon. According to previous reports, two rounds of storms are expected for Sunday, which could impact the race.

The first round of storms is expected in the late morning and early afternoon, potentially impacting the race. The second round of storms is expected in the late evening and overnight, which is the main severe threat.

“We need to be patient. We need to listen to the instructions. We will be orderly about it,” he said. “Obviously, I’m praying. I’m crossing every toe and finger I can and hoping that first wave comes and goes and then we get a good, solid, complete race in.”

When asked about this year’s race, Holcomb said that he is a big Josef Newgarden fan, stating that he is happy that he is on the front row.

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