The 1976 program stays the same approximate size at 8 1/2" x 11" as do those through the present. The price remains $2 in 1976 but is raised to $3 in 1977 and stays so through 1981. It is raised to $4 in 1982 through 1986, $5 from 1987 through 1990, $6 for 1991 & 92, $7 in 1993, $8 in 1994 through 1997 and $10 from 1998 through the present. The 1976 insert retains the same size and basic format as 1975. In 1977 the same basic size remains but the insert is now 2 pages with drawings of the cars with driver names, car type/name & qualifying speeds. The 1978 insert marks the first time the insert was printed as part of the program. This may have been for the actual race day programs as *loose inserts were probably available on Carburation Day as they are today. This same idea remains so through 1994. With the 1995, an insert coupon was added to all programs so that when the insert was available, (usually on Carb Day) one would exchange the coupon for an insert. Inserts can still be obtained without having to tear the coupon out of the program therefore keeping the program intact. Changes in the insert will be noted when necessary.

The 1976 program is a transition program in that it retains some of the features of previous programs, but some changes have occurred. The flags remain, but are now at the top above a drawing of the new museum with a checker board pattern below the museum. "The 60th" and "500" are in black at upper left and right respectively with "Official Program" at bottom center also in black. The date and "2 Dollars" are in black at bottom left and right respectively with small copyright information between them.

1977 begins a new line of programs where the covers change every year much as they did before 1955. At top is a drawing of the front stretch, car #6 and Tony Hulman giving the command to start engines. At the bottom are the main gate and A.J. Foyt. Rather ironic that Foyt would win in 1977 and that it would be Tony Hulmans last '500'.

The 1978 and 1979 programs are an artists depiction of the previous years winner. 1980 is the Pontiac Trans-Am pace car leading the field down the front stretch.
The 1979 insert is a 4 page fold out and the 1980 insert is the first year to use color pictures of the cars and is also a fold out type of insert. The same 3 or 4 page fold out type of format with color pictures of the cars or one similar to it is still used today.

1981 is the first year to use an actual photo on the cover and is the top of the Borg-Warner winners trophy. It is also the first year that a poster of the cover was issued by the Speedway. Cover posters are still issued today with the only exception being 2001 where Ray Harroun, a Rookie winner, is depicted.

In 1984, the programs no longer have the pages stapled in but are glued into a square spine. This format remains so through today.

1990-95
The gold wing and wheel at the center of some 1992 programs were printed with out the gold on the wing and wheel. They are very tough to find. Some 1993 programs are missing the blue Indy car and wing & wheel at the top center of the program. It is uncertain how many may have been produced so they too are a difficult program to find.

1995 insert coupon

1996-Present
For 2001, the Speedway uses a holographic type panel glued to the cover. Located at top left of the 2002 program is a relief of the event logo which is used for the first time. After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, the Speedway issued one of the nicest covers in some time. An American flag reflected in the Borg-Warner Trophy with a sepia toned checkered flag behind. Noted 60's psychedelic artist Peter Max painted the cover art for the 2003 program. Much of the 2004 program is in relief such as the Pagoda, the cars, the scoring pylon etc. and is representative of the 3-D design by artist Charles Fazzino. LeRoy Neiman designed the 2005 cover and it depicts Jimmy Bryan taking the checkered in 1958. The 2006 90th Anniversary program cover folds out and features various scenes from the month of May and some of the history from the Speedway over the past 90 runnings of the race. The program cover changes from the familiar glossy to one which has a canvas look and feel and an insert coupon is no longer needed to get the race day line up insert. The 2007 program depicts the dramatic win of Sam Hornish Jr. over Marco Andretti in the 2006 race. After one year with a canvas look and feel type cover, the glossy cover returns for 2007.

Programs from the 1976 through the present era are much easier to find with the many from the 90's and some older ones still available at the Speedway. If one had to choose which ones are the toughest to find in excellent condition, they would be 1982 with the race day line up insert and 1977 through 1980 due to the use of a lighter stock of paper for the covers and pages. It is relatively easy to find a 1982 program as many were sold during the month of May, but the Speedway ran out of inserts on race day making programs with the insert tougher to find. Due to the nearly all black cover to the 1981 program, it is harder to find those with out some sort of wear to them. Over time, the holographic type panel to the cover of the 2001 program may be a problem with them becoming loose or detached - some were seen that month of May with the panel already missing.

1909-1916	1919-1929	1930-1941	1946-1955	1956-1975	Reprints	Bootleg & Unofficial

* This information is to the best of our knowledge. If anyone has more information, please contact: NI500CC@NI500CC.COM or dar500@indy.rr.com