We're saddened to announce the passing of Louis A. Perunko, Jr., known to racing fans as Lou Palmer, who passed away this past Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the age of 75.

Palmer was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and was raised in Syracuse, New York. He moved to Indianapolis in 1953 and began announcing for WIBC radio in 1958. He became famous for his regular interviews of each year's winner of the Indy 500 from Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and served as a reporter and anchor for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network reporter from 1953 to 1989, as well as being its chief in 1988 and 1989. Palmer was also an announcer on the CART radio network in the mid-90s before retiring some 10 years ago.

A memorial service will be held this coming Saturday, January 26 beginning at 1:30pm at the Camby Community Church in Indianapolis. Our condolences to the family of the dearly departed.

[Source: AutoWeek]