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Jim Nabors Retiring after 2014 Indy 500

Jim Nabors will sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” for the last time before this year’s Indianapolis 500 race. The man who’s been doing this every year since 1987, save for two races, announced he will be retiring because of health-related issues.
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Photo: screenshot from YouTube
"I'll see you all in May; but I've come to the conclusion that my health doesn't permit me to travel very much anymore. So I'll be retiring from singing 'Back Home Again' at the Indy 500 after this year," Nabors said in a statement.

"I want to give a special thanks to everyone; and particularly the Hulman-George family, who have a special place in my heart and are my wonderful friends. I've loved every minute of it,” he added.

Sang for the first time in 1972, “Back Home Again in Indiana” has become an integral part of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. Indianapolis Motor Speedway has yet to reveal who will replace Nabors, but said the 83-year-old will be honored for his contributions.

Born in Sylacauga, Alabama, Nabors has recorded 28 albums, stared in four movies and appeared in various television shows, including The Andy Griffith Show, The Dean Martin Show and Knight Rider.

The 2014 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to kick off on May 25. The race will be paced by a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 driven by IndyCar ace Dario Franchitti.

Story via NBCSports

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About the author: Ciprian Florea
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Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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