Shall I compare thee to a carburetor? Indy 500 gets a poet

Indianapolis - An Indiana University student who is a poet and a performer has been named the Indianapolis 500's first official poet since the early 20th century.

First poet in almost 100 years

Adam Henze of Bloomington beat out more than 200 others who submitted Indy 500-themed poems for the contest co-sponsored by Indiana Humanities.

The competition revives an Indy 500 tradition from the 1920s, when an official poem was included in the race day program.

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Henze is an educator and a doctoral candidate at IU. He receives a $1000 cash prize and two tickets to the 100th running of the race on May 29.

His poem is titled "For Those Who Love Fast, Loud Things." It will appear in the official race program.

Henze also will read his winning poem at the Speedway during qualification weekend.