From the Indianapolis Star:
There were some big wheels in the governor’s office last week.
Literally.
Giant racing tires were rolled in to set the stage for Gov. Mike Pence’s ceremonial signing of legislation that gives a financial boost to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Pence had earlier given the official OK to House Enrolled Act 1544. But on Thursday he held the ceremonial signing with lawmakers who were involved in the passage of the bill and motorsports figures, including Mark Miles, the CEO of the Speedway.
Disappointingly, they didn’t drink milk and pour it over each other when Pence signed the bill, as drivers do when they win the 500.
The bill gives the Speedway $100 million over 20 years to finance improvements. The money is considered a loan that will be paid back by the growth in sales and income taxes at the Speedway, and the IMS also pays $2 million annually for the bond payments. The bill also allows $5 million annually as low-interest loans to 48 other Indiana tracks and motorsports businesses.
“Motorsports has a rich history and an even brighter future in the State of Indiana,” Pence said. “Let’s just put it bluntly. Indiana is today and will remain the motorsports capital of the world.”
Lest it look like the governor was picking a favorite team, driver or sponsor for the 500-mile Race, the other props positioned on a desk for the signing -- little racing helmets and cars -- were plain white.
“That’s what we call noncommittal racing imagery,” Pence said. “No endorsements.”
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013305250002
