It is believed that this the first time the song was performed at the race, which would later become a traditional fixture of the pre-race ceremonies.

Another hallowed tradition is the pre-race ceremony, including an invocation and the playing of taps.

The traditional pre-race ceremonies were held with the showing of the national colors along with the invocation service from a local minister.

Ruth Graham, began pre-race ceremonies, by giving the invocation.

Tim Griffin began pre-race ceremonies, by giving the invocation.

The pre-race ceremonies were held on-time, but some subtle changes were made.

One of the first changes Jenkins made to the broadcast was to eliminate commentary and reporting during the pre-race ceremonies.

Ken Bowers, chaplain of the race track, began pre-race ceremonies with the invocation.

As a gesture, the Speedway added an invocation to the pre-race ceremonies.

Joe Gibbs began the pre-race ceremonies, by giving the invocation.