Jim Cornelison will sing "(Back Home Again in) Indiana" before the Indianapolis 500 for the third consecutive year, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials announced today.

Cornelison, who earned a master's degree in opera performance from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music in 1992, will expand his Indy 500 role by singing at the official "100 Days Out Party" and by attending other events leading up to the race.

The 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 26. The "100 Days Out Party" will happen Feb. 15.

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Known for his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Chicago Blackhawks home games, Cornelison sang the national anthem April 5 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse as part of "IMS Night" when the Pacers hosted the Golden State Warriors.

At the 2018 edition of the race, Cornelison became the first performer to sing "Back Home Again" in consecutive years since the retirement of Jim Nabors in 2014. "Gomer Pyle" actor Nabors sang the tune 36 times during Indy 500 pre-race ceremonies between 1972 and 2014.

Straight No Chaser, an a cappella group formed at Indiana University, sang "Back Home Again" in 2015, followed by Indianapolis resident and "The Voice" champion Josh Kaufman in 2016.

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Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at 317-444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.

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