July 24, 2025
Racing Legends & Forgotten Heroes: The Untold Stories of Indy with Jim Frey
On this episode of The Pits Are Open, we sit down with motorsports historian, author, and lifelong Indy 500 fan Jim Frey. From the golden era of IndyCar to World War II heroics, Jim takes us on a journey through the hidden history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the men—and women—who made it legendary.
Hear jaw-dropping stories like how chewing gum helped win the 1932 Indy 500, how POW Bud Bardowski made his way back to the Brickyard after surviving the Bataan Death March, and why the 60s–70s still reign as the golden age of racing.
Later, we’re joined by Kurt Hansen, veteran driver and host of Race Central TV, who shares his transition from behind the wheel to behind the mic, and why experience still matters in the commentary booth.