Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Tom Carnegie Obituary
A veteran sportscaster who got his start in radio, Carnegie was known for signature calls like "Heeeeez-on-it!" when qualifiers sped up approaching the green flag and, "It's a new track record!"
Carnegie worked as a sportcaster for three decades at WRTV, which announced his death on the air and on its website. The station said Carnegie died Friday morning at his home in Indianapolis following an illness.
Born in Norwalk, Conn., as Carl Kenagy, which was still his legal name, Carnegie moved with his family to Missouri as a youngster. His interest in sports shifted to announcing after he was stricken with polio, and he began preparing himself in high school by entering every speech contest he could.
He began his radio career in 1942 at WOWO in Fort Wayne, where he took the name Tom Carnegie - the station manager thought it sounded better on air. Three years later, he moved to Indianapolis, where he was sports director at radio station WIRE and wrote a column for The Indianapolis Star.
In 1946, he met Speedway owner Tony Hulman, who had just bought and renovated the dilapidated track that had been idle during World War II. He hired the young broadcaster, who at the time knew nothing about auto racing.
"Nobody gave me any help or anything like that," Carnegie once said in an interview with WRTV. "I just had names and numbers, like calling a football game. And I somehow got through it and satisfied Wilbur Shaw and Tony Hulman because they asked me to come back next year, and I've been there ever since."
Carnegie's career traced the evolution of the sport, from the front-engine roadsters of the 1940s to today's sleek rear-engine, high-tech racers. When he started, women weren't even allowed in the pits; by the time he retired, Danica Patrick had led the race.
WRTV, then WFBM, hired Carnegie as sports director in 1953. During his tenure as a sportscaster, he traveled to Japan and Mexico to cover the Olympics, and was on the public address system when underdog Milan High School famously won the Indiana state high school championship in 1954, which led to a cameo in the movie "Hoosiers."
Carnegie retired from WRTV in 1985 but continued as the voice of the Speedway until 2006.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
64 Entries
Daniel Bullock
March 29, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Carnegie family. I will never forget his deep baritone voice. God speed.
Rick Nolan
February 18, 2011
Mr.Carnegie was from a by-gone era of sports announcers, broadcasters and writers where they made the event about the participants and the fans, not about themselves. There are certain times in your life that God puts you at a certain place at a certain time for a reason. A couple of years ago, I had driven from Illinois to visit my son who lives in Indy. I decided that year at the spur of the moment to purchase my 500 tickets at IMS instead of having them mailed. As I stood at the counter, in comes Mr. Carnegie (wheelchair bound) and strikes up a conversation not knowing me from Adam. The unforgetable voice identified him immediately. I am not easily impressed by "personalities", but those five minutes will be cherished by me forever.
Rick N.
Bloomington, IL
John Miller
February 18, 2011
DJ, Blair, Bob, and Charlotte. Please accept my most sincere condolences upon the passing of your Husband and Father. Tom was surely on of those rare "born to be" kind of people. My memories go back to when I was a kid and Indiana Basketball was King. I spent many hours listening to his voice on the radio at tournament time, and later watching on WFBM TV as he broadcast all the latest scores from "Tournament Central". Of course there was the "Month of May" each year. I have attended 59 Indy 500's starting in 1951 and his voice over the PA system was an integral part of my 500 memories. I also have warm memories of being at your house on Cedar Street in high school with Bill Dierks, and you Blair, and realizing that behind that "Famous Voice" was a very warm and friendly man. I had the pleasure of chatting with him for several minutes at the track one day this past May. Tom's voice now plays to a much greater theater, and probably gives the Lord's booming voice a run for HIS money.
John M. Miller II
Zionsville, IN.
Class of 1965.
How you can show support
Suzanne Shubat
February 15, 2011
I used to run into Tom from time to time and had great conversations with him. Have missed seeing him in the village. I was saddened by your loss. He leaves a big hole for all who knew him and knew of him.
February 15, 2011
To the Kenagy family: my brother and I are saddened by your loss. If our dad were still here, he would no doubt have stories both touching and humorous. Jamie and Jim Phillippe
Roby Helm
February 14, 2011
God created man in His image. He went a step further with Tom Carnegie - He gave Tom His voice for Tom to use on earth. I first remember hearing Tom announcing at The Speedway in 1963 when I was five-years-old. From that day, I wanted to be a racing announcer. I am proud to say that I have been announcing races for the past 31 years. Tom Carnegie, thanks for the inspiration! Rest In Peace. You will be missed.
Moments after one of our great discussions and just prior to the 2010 Indy 500; Tom's final run.
Dave Dusick
February 14, 2011
TC -
Ya know, everybody talks about their favorite of your sayings...we all know them. However, I have to admit, mine was none of those. There are two words that I will forever miss hearing from you...
"Hellloooooo. David."
This, accompanied by a genuine hand-shake, always acted as a precursor to a great discussion. You touched my life, all of our lives, every time you spoke.
Thank you...for being you.
February 14, 2011
To the Carl Kenagy family we are so sorry for your loss. We have a family reunion at the C. Lee Kenagy park in Raytown, Missouri where your loved one lived when young. Roy C. Kenagy & Betty L. Kenagy of Raymore, Missouri
BJ Robertson/WRTV
February 14, 2011
Mr. Carnegie (Tom) it was a privilege to know you.
Jerry Conklin
February 14, 2011
Having just attended my 50th Indy 500 last year, I know that Tom was as much a part of that race as the 'yard of bricks'. Fortunately I have races in video tape for most years back through the 60's. Tom's wonderful voice will always be in my memory. Jerry Conklin - Desert Hills, AZ
John Fulton
February 14, 2011
I will always cherish the sunny days in May I spent listening to Tom. He will always be the voice of The Speedway to millions. I feel truly blessed to have shared my time in this world with Tom Carnegie. He and Sid Collins are the best ever. May the family find peace in knowing Tom brought joy to millions of fans.
Michael Swem
February 14, 2011
I wish peace and comfort to Tom's family. I enjoyed hearing him on television and in person when I visited the Speedway. His voice will forever echo around the track. Godspeed Tom.
mihaj pataki
February 14, 2011
take a rest and enjoy it till the ressurrection
February 14, 2011
To the Kenagy family although this is a rough time for you just remember your husband and father made a lot of people happy.
I have lived over half my life overseas serving our country in either the military or as a Government employee.
Tom's voice was something that I always looked forward to when it was time for the race.
When I could be in Indy in May I was at the track and his voice always sent a chill up my back. He put us on pins and needles all the time.
When I listened to the race on AFN, it was like I was, "Back Home in Indiana".
Tom will be missed by you and countless others. As he used to say at the beginning of every race,
"God Speed".
MAJ Tim Hedge
EN, USA Retired
Afghanistan
February 13, 2011
Tom we will miss you. You made a very special place more special. we had a mutual love. The speedway. Will not be the same without you. Thanks for the memorys. May God comfort your fmily at this time. Todd Speaks Fort Wayne IN
Gwen & Mark Smith
February 13, 2011
Godspeed 500 Tom
Gwen & Mark Smith
February 13, 2011
God speed 500 Tom
Scott Stiers
February 13, 2011
My sincerest sympathies go out to the whole family. I went through grade school with one of his daughters, Charlotte, so I have always felt I had a remote connection to him. I will never forget his voice. He WAS the 500 to me!
God bless you all. Peace be with you!
Tim Ramey
February 13, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Carnegie family. I met Tom at the track in 2000 even though i have heard his voice for years. He will always be the Voice Of The Indianapolis 500.... May the family find peace in God at this sad time.
George Humphrey
February 13, 2011
Toms voice was worth driving 1500 miles to listen to. Dad and I did it for 20 years. The finest voice in the business. You will be sadly missed.
Sandy Hintz
February 13, 2011
Dear D.J. and the entire family of Tom Carnegie, please accept my sincerest sympathies on your -- and all of our -- loss. While I knew of Tom for many years because of his association with the Speedway, I didn't meet him personally until we moved to Indianapolis in 1984 to work for Bryant. Tom immediately became my friend and make me feel welcome in the racing community. Together, we worked on many Bryant Racing projects with drivers Chip Ganassi, Josele Garza, Johnnie Parsons, Rich Vogler and Stan Fox. We were a little, local team sponsorship with the Machinest Union, Jonathan Byrd and Ron Hemelgarn, and Tom always treated us as though we were one of the front runners. Tom also did many of our local Phil Hedback Bryant radio spots, and I also got him involved with our national Bryant radio and TV commercials we did with General Chuck Yeager. He was a wonderful man, a wonderful friend and will always be an icon in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. God bless him and grant him rest. We shall think of him at the 100th anniversary of the 500 in May, and shall always remember him in the future.
February 13, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Carnegie Family. Of the 61 years that Tom announced at the Speedway, I had the honor of being there on race day for 56 of his 61 years. Tom's voice is instilled in my memory forever,and I will sorely miss hearing him any more.
DON GILBERT
Las Vegas, Nevada
Don Berman
February 12, 2011
Nobody did it better than Tom Carnegie. He WAS the Indianapolis 500, as famous or more so than legendary Sid Collins. I've been going to the 500 since 1970. Opening day of time trials used to be as big as race day. The time trials were Tom's domain. What a booming, velvety smooth voice! My first "date" with my wife-to-be lasted 18 hours, as we drove to the time trials from Chicago and back the same day in 1977. RIP, Mr. Carnegie. You were the best.
February 12, 2011
TO THE CARNEGIE FAMILY,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT IN READING DANIEL 12;2.A,W.HOUSTON,TX.
Mark Frenz
February 12, 2011
I am sorry for your loss my first memories of him were at the 1980 indy 500. the next 30 years i waited until may so i could hear those words "and he's on it" he will be sorely missed
Bill Moseley
February 12, 2011
My father a Engine Re-Builder from Detroit, The Motor City would listen to the race on the radio and later watch it on TV. No one said a word or disturbe Dad. With the newspaper in one hand and a pencil in the other. he made notes. Later he chartered a Bus. Beer,Snacks and a "Ticket" to the Race. Dad follwed the "THE RACE"
till he past away at "91".
fritz dusel
February 12, 2011
dear family:
i lived in indy from 1983 to 2002. went to 23 500's countless days just enjoying a dat at the track. toms voice will live in my mind forever. my sincere condolances.
r.fritz dusel
[email protected]
Tim Matherly
February 12, 2011
Like many Hoosiers across the country and around tha world, the voices of Tom Carneghe and Hilliard Gates WERE the Indiana High School Basketball Championship to me. Tom will be greatly missed by many of us for whom he was the Voice of Home.
Savage/VanDeven
February 12, 2011
To the Carnegie Family, we are so sorry for your loss. What a great man he was! I hope my Dad and Mr. Carnegie are having a nice diner up in heaven, recounting all the great memories at the track. A man and a voice race fans will never forget..."Heeeeez-on-it!"
Grandma Richardson
February 12, 2011
Your contribution to auto racing is unique and priceless. I never made it to even one Indy 500, but thanks to you I will always feel I was right there to experience the drama and excitement as I was listening on the radio with my dad in the 'forties', and with me sons in the more recent TV years. Thank you, may you rest in peace.
Anita Furkis
February 12, 2011
He was AWESOME. He was Indy racing. May he rest in peace. Love and prayers to his family.
Stuart Colvin
February 12, 2011
You will be missed by every Indy 500 fan. It was my pleasure to have known you for years. You were a great gentleman who always had time to discuss our mutual interests in Virginia.
February 12, 2011
Godspeed Mr Carnegie....
Tim Rivers
February 12, 2011
It wasn't May until we heard your voice say "Good morning race fans." Your always-smiling face, booming voice and larger-than-life presence will be greatly missed. As a media professional, I must say you were the mentor and role-model that many of us truly needed. Rest in Peace Tom Carnegie.
M B
February 12, 2011
I as sorry for your loss, may you find comfort from our Heavenly Father who is the God of comfort, He comfort those who are mourning. For He promise that , " He will swallow death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. -
Jackie Joines
February 12, 2011
A voice and a man who will forever be present in the minds of those visiting Indy. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his Indy 500 family.
Carol Lawler
February 12, 2011
I feel as though a part of my childhood growing up in Indianapolis, has now been chipped away. You are a legend, Mr. Carnegie, and will forever be a 'voice' of the Indianapolis 500.
February 12, 2011
My heart goes out to the Carnegie family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Mr. Carnegie behind the back stretch a few years back. I have been to the 500 25 years and I must say, that was one of the top of the list highlights for me. He will always be in that Speedway echoing around the place. God Bless Tom, you're finally on it!
C.D.
Dolon Peete
February 12, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Victoria&Andew VZj
February 12, 2011
Rest n peace
"TOM" Such a Voice'
You will be missed by many
Fast cars with a Speedway of
International amp power
with prime Beauty&Nascar engine
GodSpeed Journey In memory of TOM
Daniel Bullock
February 11, 2011
Rest in Peace, you truly had a real golden voice. I will never forget it, not to mention your devoution to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Hulman-Goeorge Family and to Indy Car racing in general.
Mike Dugan
February 11, 2011
Growing up in Indy Tom Teriffic Carnegie
was EVERYONE'S friend.
He gave us the Indy 500 and covered the high school basketball champinships in classic style.
You were our friend.Gonna miss you!
Rich Sabey
February 11, 2011
Indy isn't the same without him. Thanks Tom. Rest in peace.
February 11, 2011
You will be missed. I haven't been to the 500 since 1999 but your voice is what I remeber the most. I'd smile when I heard in the background during qualifing while watching on TV. I felt like I was there. My condolences to the Carnigie family.
February 11, 2011
God Bless....My mother always enjoyed the Indy Races - I know you will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Jim Darling
February 11, 2011
Growing up in Indiana it was an annual ritual to listen to Mr. Carnegie call both the State basketball finals and the 500. "He'll fire...and get it" from courtside at Butler Fieldhouse and "Heeeeez on it!" from the Brickyard. A legend who will live on in our hearts, ears and memories. God bless you, Mr. Carnegie.
Ed & Carla Bickel
February 11, 2011
Tom I do not know how many times I have listened to your voice. I will miss you very much come the month of May. My first 500 was 56 and we attended my last one in 2010. You have crossed your final checkers. Many blessings and prayers to your family and the Speedway family. P.S. Tom I asked my wife to marry me on the Yard of Brick. Ed & Carla Bickel
David Walker
February 11, 2011
Growing up in Speedway,In. Tom is more like a friend than a sportscaster, He brought fans and drivers together in his special way of interviewing.The racing world loses a friend today. "and he's slowing on the track" David, Reno
February 11, 2011
Growing up in Speedway,In. Tom is more like a friend than a sportscaster, He brought fans and drivers together in his special way of interviewing.The racing world loses a friend today. "and he's slowing on the track" David, Reno
Jerry Friedman
February 11, 2011
Felt like I knew him although we never met. What a classy announcer with such a distinctive voice. I can still hear "off the fourth turn it's A J Foyyyt" - how exciting. Thank you Mr. Carnegie for your part in making INDY the greatest spectacle in sport.
Warren Worrell
February 11, 2011
When I was a young boy, I would hear Mr. Carneigie's voice and I thought that was God talking. He was a great Man. Indiana will miss him!!! May God be with your family at this time.
R Golay
February 11, 2011
To the the family of Tom Carnegie - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Tom will be missed by many.
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
February 11, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joe Cotton
February 11, 2011
Tom was a wonderfull man he and my mom were friends she thought the world of him may he reast in peace in Gods loving arms
Clyde Mitchell
February 11, 2011
So many memories. Your voice is a legend by itself. God Bless you Tom !
M Rusanowsky
February 11, 2011
The true voice of the Indianapolis 500 has gone silent for the last time.
I hope he and all of the men that raced there that are now gone are having a good time together. (Vuky, Tony Bettenhausen Sr, etc.)
Sir, you will truly be missed.
scott s
February 11, 2011
Tom Carnegie was the voice of Spring. Memories of weekends at the lake, Indy time trials or the 500 on the radio. His voice is the one thing I remember as a kid
Stacy Blake
February 11, 2011
God's speed Mr. Carnegie
MR RC. Benko
February 11, 2011
WOW....THE REAL VOICE OF GOD has died.
WAS THERE ANYBODY BETTER?
GOD BLESS YOU TOM......
bonnie cross
February 11, 2011
mr, carnegie will be missed and pla know he was loved and will be missed..may god be with his family and freinds and the sports life. and may god guide them in their time of need
Sandy K
February 11, 2011
"Heeeeez-on-it!" and "It's a new track record!" I will never forgot the first time I heard those words from Mr. Carnegie at Indy. He will be missed
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in Tom Carnegie's name
How to support Tom's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tom Carnegie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored