Host Brandon Contes interviews legendary Indianapolis 500 broadcaster Paul Page. Brandon and Paul discuss a wide range of topics including working the Indy 500 on radio and TV, being mentored by Sid Collins, working with Bobby Unser, and more.
Here’s the full breakdown:
- :43: Working this year’s Indianapolis 500
- 1:29: Best place to watch the Indy 500
- 2:27: Getting into broadcasting
- 4:15: Growing up a racing fan
- 5:58: Broadcasting while in the Army
- 6:25: Surviving a helicopter crash
- 8:10: Memories of the crash
- 8:55: First ride back in a helicopter
- 9:18: Reporting from helicopter during crash
- 10:22: Friendship and mentorship with Sid Collins
- 12:13: Collins’ death and succeeding Collins to be “Voice of the 500” in 1977
- 14:25: Emotions of the 1977 broadcast as chief announcer
- 15:57: Difficulties of the 1977 broadcast
- 16:44: Feeling after the 1977 race
- 18:45: Differences in broadcasting compared to Collins
- 20:38: Preference in doing radio or TV?
- 22:08: Doing radio at Indy
- 23:22: TV producers
- 26:01: Ideas to ABC to improve broadcasts
- 26:59: Delta Force intros
- 29:14: Working with Bobby Unser and Sam Posey
- 30:42: Was Posey and Unser competitive with each other?
- 31:22: Playing peacemaker
- 32:18: Three person booth
- 34:27: Longest being on the air for a race
- 36:06: Most memorable finish for Paul
- 38:01: Favorite Indy 500 memory in general
- 39:28: Broadcasting Indy 500 during COVID
- 42:06: Calling Alex Zanardi crash in Germany days after 9/11
- 48:53: Favorite sport to call
- 49:25: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
- 51:45: Preparation for offbeat sports
- 52:18: Calling different forms of motorsports
- 53:22: 30th anniversary of the first Brickyard 400
- 54:56: What makes the Indy 500 special?
- 58:24: Al Michaels
- 1:00:45: Favorite part of Indy 500 weekend
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