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PAST INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS

Indy fans to welcome military personnel: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will unite with the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes during the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard weekend July 27-29. The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (CSAH) provides many programs to benefit wounded veterans of the United States Military and their families. Programs include Emergency Relief, Family Support Network, Career Network, Homes for Heroes and Road to Recovery Conference. The mission of CSAH is to assist those who have given so much on our behalf, and to help soldiers and their families overcome obstacles and resume productive and fulfilling lives. CSAH T-shirts and dog tags will be available for purchase in the Pagoda Plaza. The T-shirts are $20 each and come with a free dog tag. Dog tags can be purchased separately for $5 each. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts and dog tags will benefit CSAH. Fans attending the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard can greet a few of the military members who have benefited from the program in the past and are now national spokespersons. For more information about the Coalition to Support America’s Heroes, visit www.saluteheroes.org. Tickets can be purchased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by phone or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office. The IMS Ticket Office can be contacted at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally. Ticket Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Race Day reserved seat tickets start at just $35.(IMS PR)(7-25-2007)
National Anthem at Indy: Indiana National Guard Sgt. Byron Bartosh will play the national anthem at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A native of Garland, Texas, Bartosh attended high school at the Indiana Academy at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., and lives in Bloomington, Ind., following a tour in the United States Marine Corps. Bartosh has also played “Taps” at the Indianapolis 500 in 2006 and 2007.(IMS PR)(7-25-2007)
Messina Concert at Indy on race day: CURB Records country music recording artist Jo Dee Messina will play a free concert for Allstate 400 at the Brickyard ticket holders on Race Day, Sunday, July 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Race Day show, starts at noon on the infield adjacent to Turn 10 of the IMS road course. The concert will take place directly north of the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, near Turn 10 of the Speedway’s road course. Concert goers must have a Race Day admission ticket for the 14th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Allstate 400 at the Brickyard tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 14th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and can be purchased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by phone or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office. The IMS Ticket Office can be contacted at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally. Ticket Office hours are 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. Parking and camping permits also can be purchased online, by phone or at the Ticket Office.(IMS PR)(7-19-2007)
Gretchen Wilson to Perform at the Brickyard: Country music superstar Gretchen Wilson will perform a Miller Lite Rock N Racing concert Saturday, July 28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Grammy Award winner Wilson will take the stage in the infield of the IMS oval at 4:45 p.m. (ET). Her performance is free with $15 gate admission for the day, is part of the Kurt Busch and Miller Lite Racing present Rock N Racing concert series. This will be the inaugural Rock N Racing concert at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.(IMS PR)(7-18-2007)
Actor James Denton named the Grand Marshal of Allstate 400 at Indy: Desperate Housewives actor James Denton has been named the Grand Marshal for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 29. This year represents the 14th running of the historic race, which will be the season's first Nextel Cup Series event televised on ESPN [since it was Winston Cup in 2001], and marks Allstate's third consecutive season as title sponsor. Denton will be on hand to participate in pre-race activities, including the ceremonial waving of the green flag, signaling the start of the race. As a continued Indianapolis Motor Speedway family tradition, IMS Chairman of the Board Mari Hulman George will deliver the legendary command, "Gentlemen, start your engines." This year's race winner will be vying to become the third consecutive winner to go on and win the Nextel Cup Series Championship, a feat accomplished by Tony Stewart in 2005 and Jimmie Johnson in 2006. Denton is best known from his role as Mike Delfino on ABC's television hit show, Desperate Housewives. He previously starred on the television series, The Pretender, Philly, and Threat Matrix. His feature film credits include Primary Colors and Face/Off. To purchase tickets, camping or parking for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS PR)(7-16-2007)
Tom Carnegie to be Honored by Indiana Governor: Tom Carnegie, the voice of Indianapolis Motor Speedway for more than six decades, will be presented Tuesday with a Sagamore of the Wabash from Gov. Mitch Daniels. The award recognizes distinguished service in the state. Carnegie, 87, retired last year after 61 years as the track's announcer. Friends report Carnegie's health has improved in the past month and he is looking forward to visiting the track next month. His goal is to be at the Speedway on opening day to interview A.J. Foyt. It will be Foyt's 50th year at Indy.(Indianapolis Star)(4-10-2007)
Sad News: Indy Exec Dies: Longtime Indianapolis Motor Speedway executive Buddy McAtee died Feb. 12 in Indianapolis. He was 53. McAtee passed away at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis with his family at his side. An employee of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its affiliated companies since 1987, McAtee was promoted to the position of president, chief operating officer and executive producer of IMS Productions on Jan. 15, 2007 after serving as vice president and executive producer since 2002, and leading the company to new heights of creative programming, broadcasting and profitability. A personal commendation that McAtee was proud to receive was the Torchbearer Award from the Indiana University Cancer Center in May 2006. Seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, who also received treatment at IU Cancer Center, presented the award to McAtee. McAtee is survived by his wife, Judy, and a daughter, Nikki. Visitation is scheduled for 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Memorial donations may be made to Indiana University Medical Center, Cancer Research.(See more at the IMS site)(2-13-2007)
Tony George crashes in Daytona test: Tony George's return to driving race cars was met with an accident today at Daytona International Speedway. George, the 47-year-old chief executive officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, crashed his Daytona Prototype sports car at about 3:15 p.m. while testing for this month's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. He was not injured. George, who raced extensively in his younger days, said he hasn't driven a race car since 2001. He doesn't think he's been in a road race since 1993. The car George crashed was purchased from Eddie Cheever's sports car team. George, who owns Vision Racing, has entered the Rolex 24 with his stepson, Ed Carpenter, A.J. Foyt IV and Tomas Scheckter as co-drivers. The Rolex 24 is Jan. 27-28.(Indy Star)(1-6-2007)
Indy's Grounds Tour returns in 2007: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum’s popular “Grounds Tour” will return in 2007 with a 60-date schedule, and the Museum is taking tour ticket orders now. The Grounds Tour is a fantastic opportunity to entertain family, friends or clients with a behind-the-scenes view of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s awe-inspiring infrastructure and history through a 90-minute guided tour, hosted by knowledgeable members of the Museum staff. Guests also will tour the Hall of Fame Museum and enjoy a ride around the famed 2.5-mile IMS oval in one of the Museum’s comfortable tour buses, culminating with an opportunity to stop at the “Yard of Bricks” and pose for photographs. 2007 Grounds Tours will take place from March through November, with the opening date scheduled for Thursday, March 15. Tours will wrap up for the year on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 23-24. Most of the tours take place in prime family vacation time: late June, 22 consecutive days in July, and early August, making Grounds Tours the perfect idea for a family getaway. Tours are scheduled to depart from the Hall of Fame Museum four times per day on scheduled tour days. The Hall of Fame Museum is located in the IMS infield, just inside the main gate (Gate 2) off 16th Street.(IMS PR)
AND The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is in the giving spirit and offering the public free admission to the museum and the narrated track tour on Friday, Dec. 22. More info at indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(12-19-2006)
Hulman-George family honored: The Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association presented the Hulman-George family, owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with its prestigious William K. McGowan Jr. Hospitality Leadership Award on Dec. 7. The award, named for William K. “Bill” McGowan, the president and CEO of the ICVA from 1984-2002, recognizes individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced tourism in Indianapolis through vision, passion, can-do spirit and integrity. Winners of the McGowan award, according to the ICVA, “have advanced visitation, economic impact, perception, image and prestige of our great destination.” Tony George, chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, accepted the award from the ICVA’s Chairman of the Board Jerry Semler during the its annual State of Tourism summit at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. The ICVA presented the award to the Hulman-George family for its efforts, since 1945, to make the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and city of Indianapolis an exciting tourist destination for racing enthusiasts from around the world.(IMS PR)(12-12-2006)
Brickyard 400 Tix on Sale Monday: Tickets for the 14th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, scheduled for Sunday, July 29, 2007, will go on sale Monday, Dec. 4, and any fan who buys two tickets before Dec. 25 will have a chance to take a lap around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. Customers who have renewed or purchased at least two tickets can take a lap around the track as a passenger in a Chevrolet, the Official Vehicle of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for just $25 by calling (800) 822-INDY before Dec. 25. This special offer includes a photo opportunity at the famed Yard of Bricks start-finish line. Track laps are scheduled for Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 and are very limited. Race weekend and Race Day tickets will be available online at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by phone or in person at the IMS Ticket Office. The IMS Ticket Office can be contacted at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally. Ticket Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A two-day general admission pass for practice and qualifying Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28 is available for just $25.(IMS PR)(12-3-2006)
ISC to buy out IMS ownership pf Chicagoland Speedway: International Speedway Corporation ("ISC") today announced it has entered into a purchase agreement with Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation to indirectly acquire an additional 37.5% interest in Raceway Associates, LLC ("Raceway Associates"), owner and operator of Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois. The purchase price for the transaction is approximately $69 million in cash. After the transaction closes, ISC will own 100% of Motorsports Alliance, LLC ("Motorsports Alliance"), which owns 75% of Raceway Associates. Raceway Associates was formed in 1999 as a joint venture between Motorsports Alliance and the former owners of Route 66 Raceway. Raceway Associates subsequently developed Chicagoland Speedway, a 75,000 seat facility hosting premier motorsports events from the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, NASCAR Busch, IRL IndyCar and ARCA RE/MAX series. ISC will also exercise its right to purchase the minority partners' remaining 25% interest in Raceway Associates pursuant to the 1999 Raceway Associates formation agreement. All the above transactions are expected to close in early 2007.(ISC Motorsports site)(11-1-2006)
2007 Indy Tix Renew and get DVD: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket office is accepting ticket orders for the 14th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 29, 2007, a new date one weekend earlier than the event’s traditional date on the first weekend of August. Existing customers who renew or request an upgrade of their tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com will receive a free 2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard commemorative DVD. All of the exciting highlights of this year’s race, capped by Johnson’s unlikely victory in the #48 Lowe’s Chevy, are featured on the DVD. To purchase tickets, camping or parking, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to indianapolismotorspeedway.com. The ticket renewal deadline is Monday, Aug. 21. Customers who are upgrading or purchasing Allstate 400 at the Brickyard tickets for the first time should act quickly to increase their chances of obtaining their desired seats.(IMS PR/Site)(8-10-2006)
250 treated at Indy due to heat: About 250 people were treated for heat-related illnesses during Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, said Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman Ron Green. That compares with 225 people who were treated in May during the Indy 500 when temperatures were unseasonably hot. The National Weather Service said Sunday's high was the same was it was that day -- 89 degrees. Green said track officials were prepared for the August heat and had cooling-off tents set up around the track. Sunday's heat at the Brickyard wasn't as bad as in 2002, when the high on race day was 96 degrees -- three degrees short of the record for the date.(CNNSI/Associated Press)(8-7-2006)
Corvette to Pace the Field at Indy: A new specially-outfitted Corvette Z06 will serve as the official pace car of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on August 6. Chevrolet cars have enjoyed the honor of pacing this event for 12 consecutive years, but this year is especially significant for the brand as it's the first time a Corvette serves as the pace vehicle at the prestigious NASCAR event. The Corvette Z06 for the Allstate 400 wears a unique paint scheme, inspired by an asymmetrical theme that conveys an "empathic sense of motion," according to Kip Wasenko, the pace car designer. The Corvette Z06 features broad stripes of yellow, white and blue which complement the Allstate 400 logo and resemble banners that accentuate the car's sense of speed.(GM PR)(8-4-2006)
Kelly Rowland to sing National Anthem at Indy: Kelly Rowland, a member of the chart-topping, Grammy-winning musical group Destiny’s Child, will sing the national anthem before the start of the 13th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Aug. 6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tickets are on sale for the 2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Reserved seats start at just $35. Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY.(IMS PR)(8-3-2006)
Indy Race Date to move to July? UPDATE yep: Dick Glover, NASCAR vice president of broadcasting and new media, said that series officials have had talks about moving the Indianapolis race from early August to late July next season to accommodate ESPN's return. Next year begins NASCAR's new TV package. Fox will broadcast the Daytona 500 and the next 12 races through the Coca-Cola 600. TNT will do the next six races, taking it through race #18 on the schedule. That would mean ESPN would make its debut at Pocono and then broadcast the race at Indy. An option would be to move Indianapolis up so that it corresponds with ESPN's first race. That would allow ESPN to trumpet its return in promotions with one of the sport's highest-profile races. NASCAR typically doesn't announce the new schedule until late summer.(Roanoke Times)(7-10-2006)
UPDATE: The 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard will take place Sunday, July 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a week earlier than the event’s traditional date on the first weekend in August. The prestigious race will be the first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event televised on ESPN since 2000. ABC/ESPN is returning to weekly NASCAR race broadcasts in 2007, airing the last 17 events of the NEXTEL Cup Series schedule. ESPN will launch an extensive multimedia campaign early next year to promote its return to NASCAR at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. That campaign will run through Race Day. Promotion of ESPN’s return to NASCAR and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard will be included on the full suite of ESPN media, including its cable TV networks, ESPN2, ESPN360, ESPN Radio, Mobile ESPN, ESPN.com and affiliated international networks throughout the world. The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard has taken place on the first weekend of August, with race dates ranging from Aug. 1 to Aug. 8, in the event’s 13-year history. This year’s race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6.(IMS PR)(7-28-2006)
Lorrie Morgan to headline concert at Indy: Country music superstar Lorrie Morgan will headline an Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Race Day concert Sunday, Aug. 6 in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Morgan will perform at noon (ET) in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield directly north of the IMS Hall of Fame Museum. Country music rising star Jack Ingram will open the concert at 10 a.m. The show is free for all Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Race Day ticket holders. Public gates open at 7:00am/et on Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Race Day, with the 13th running of the race scheduled to begin at 2:30pm/et. Tickets are on sale for the rac fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside theIndianapolis area.(IMS PR)(7-28-2006)
'Mr. Big' named Grand Marshal of Allstate 400 at Indy: Indianapolis Motor Speedway will get a touch of Hollywood for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, as actor Chris Noth was named July 24 as the race’s official grand marshal. Noth will participate in pre-race activities, including the waving of the green flag to signal the start of the race. By Indianapolis Motor Speedway family tradition, IMS Chairman of the Board Mari Hulman George will deliver the famous command, “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Noth is perhaps best known from his roles as Detective Mike Logan on NBC’s long-running crime dramas “Law & Order” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” and Mr. Big from the hit HBO series “Sex & the City,” for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination. He recently starred and executive-produced the TNT Original film “Bad Apple,” as well as starring as Roman general Pompey in the TNT epic miniseries “Caesar.” Noth also enjoyed a successful Broadway run of the revival of Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man.” On the silver screen, Noth has been seen in such films as “Cast Away,” “Double Whammy” and “Glass House.”
Tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(IMS PR)(7-25-2006)
Indy's Tom Carnegie to retire: Tom Carnegie has decided to wave the checkered flag on his legendary broadcasting career. The 86-year-old Indianapolis resident told Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George this week that he has worked his final Indianapolis 500 as a public address announcer. Carnegie said he will make cameo appearances at the Speedway in the future, but his days of working regular shifts are over. “I just feel it’s time to finish on top,” Carnegie said Thursday. “I had a good year, I felt good on race day and it’s time to move on.” Carnegie, who contracted polio during high school, has worked 61 consecutive 500s since being hired by George’s grandfather, the late Hulman, in 1946. The string of appearances is what the man with the booming voice is most proud of. “I’ve made them all,” he said. Carnegie and his wife, D.J., began considering his retirement long ago, but he said they were sure the time was right following this year’s race won by Sam Hornish Jr. “It’s good to get out while the flag is still flying,” he said. “I just wasn’t excited about having to get up at 6 in the morning to be (at the Speedway) by 9. Those days are over for me.”(Indianpolis Star)(6-9-2006)
No Smoking at Indy? The grandstands will remain a haven for smokers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but all enclosed areas on the grounds soon will be off-limits. The city of Speedway, Ind., passed a citywide ban on smoking in indoor public places during a town council meeting Monday night, leaving its largest and most famous resident in the uncomfortable position of policing smoking in its many buildings while allowing it in the grandstands. "If they pass an ordinance with any ramifications on the Speedway, we'll abide by that," said IMS spokesman Ron Green. The ban, which doesn't go into effect until Sept. 1, will ban smoking in suites, hospitality tents and buildings on the grounds. The IMS ticket office and Hall of Fame already have no-smoking policies. The ordinance is likely to have a greater impact on nearby restaurants that cater to race fans. The ban will prohibit smoking at restaurants and bowling alleys, but most bars will be exempt. "I believe in free choice," said Liz Glover, owner of Charlie Brown's Pancake and Steakhouse, in an interview with WTHR-TV. "This is not an illegal act." The city's decision is in line with recent smoking bans passed by the city of Indianapolis and surrounding suburbs. Indiana ranks seventh nationally in tobacco use.(Speed Channel)(4-27-2006)
Indy selling? UPDATE: Word is rumbling through the motorsports community that the Indianapolis Motorspeedway may be for sale. The bidders appear to include the France family and thier massive International Speedway Corporation empire and the Disney Corporation which would no doubt covet the incredible Indy complex as a centerpiece of its thriving theme part business. The Hulman family property is in the hands of Tony George, the well respected grandson of Anton (Tony) Hulman who purchased the speedway in 1945 from World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker for a reported $750,000.(Car and Driver Magazine)(3-7-2006)
UPDATE: Brock Yates, one of the country's best and most respected motorsports writers, speculates in this month's Car & Driver magazine that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is for sale and the France family and Disney are potential buyers. This rumor has been around for the past few years, along with the one that said Roger Penske would broker the deal for the Frances. Yes, Tony George has spent millions and millions of dollars on Formula One and keeping the Indy Racing League afloat but the Brickyard 400 remains a three-day cash cow. And Indy still makes money. Bottom line: Mari Hulman George, who remains THE BOSS of the IMS kingdom, has said time and again that Indy isn't for sale -- it's for her grandchildren. No reason to think Mari has changed her mind.(Speed Channel)(3-9-2006)
Indy 500 changes start time again: The Indianapolis 500 is changing its starting time again. The May 28 race will begin at 1:00pm, the third starting time in as many years. Last year, the race started at noon after more than four decades at the traditional time of 11:00am. This change is precipitated by Indiana's move to Eastern Daylight Time. Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials opted for this year's later start to keep the race on television at the same time in other time zones. Like last year, the race will air at 1:00pm on the East Coast, noon in Chicago and 10:00am on the West Coast. Last year's starting time change helped the 500 score its highest TV rating since 1996, the first year of the Indy Racing League. The 6.5 rating represented a 59 percent increase over the 2004 race.(Indianapolis Star), doubtful with the one hour time change that started last year, that there will be any driver attempting to run both the Indy 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on May 28th.(2-4-2006)
Brickyard 400 tix on sale: Tickets will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, Jan. 10 for the 2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office. Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8:00am -5:00pm/et Monday-Friday, while online orders can be made at any time. Reserved seats start at just $35. The 13th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6. For complete information about the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(1-10-2006)
Indy Owners to be Honored: The Hulman-George family will receive the prestigious Dusty Brandel President’s Award at the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association annual All-America Team dinner presented by Sprint NEXTEL on Dec. 3 in Indianapolis. The 36th annual dinner is moving from its longtime base in the Los Angeles area this year to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. The dinner officially will conclude the 50th Anniversary Celebration for AARWBA, the oldest and largest organization of motorsports media professionals in America. Terre Haute, Ind., businessman Tony Hulman purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Nov. 14, 1945. The facility had deteriorated since the Indianapolis 500 was suspended from 1942-45 due to America’s participation in World War II. Hulman guided the Speedway until his death in October 1977. His wife, Mary Fendrich Hulman, became chairman of the board after his death, and their daughter, Mari Hulman George, became chairman of the board in 1988, a position she holds today. Mari Hulman George’s son, Anton Hulman “Tony” George, became president of the Speedway in January 1990 and now is chief executive officer of IMS and the Indy Racing League. Longtime motorsports broadcaster Bob Jenkins, who among his duties has been the IMS Radio Network “Voice of the Indianapolis 500” and has worked on the IMS Public Address team, will be the master of ceremonies at the dinner. Tickets, for the general public as well as media and sponsors, are available more info on www.aarwba.org by clicking on the Banquet link.(PR)(10-7-2005)
Indy to be featured on National Geographic Channel Show Sept 13th: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be featured on National Geographic Channel’s new show “MegaStructures” premiering at 8:00pm/et Tuesday, Sept. 13. The show, which features the “greatest buildings and machines ever created,” according to the National Geographic Channel Web site, will be rebroadcast at 11:00pm/et Sept. 13 and at 5:00pm/et Wednesday, Sept. 14. “MegaStructures” will offer a profile of the Speedway from its founding in 1909, the establishment of its famous nickname, “the Brickyard,” its decay during World War II followed by revival at the hands of the Hulman-George Family, and its present-day operations and development.
IMS tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for either the Indianapolis 500, United States Grand Prix or Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS PR)(9-11-2005)
National Anthem: Country music superstars Diamond Rio will sing the national anthem before the start of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday afternoon. (IMS)(8-6-2005)
NASCAR and the Moon: Experience a journey to the Moon, Mars and beyond when NASA brings its new interactive exhibit -- the Vision for Space Exploration Trailer -- to the NASCAR Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana, Aug. 5-7. The Vision for Space Exploration Trailer is intended to put visitors' imaginations on the fast track to the farthest reaches of the Solar System, and inspire space enthusiasts as they embark on a simulated journey into space. Housed in a 53-foot-long tractor and trailer rig, the exhibit is designed to share with visitors NASA's exploration goal, which is to return to the Moon and travel to Mars and beyond. The Vision for Space Exploration Trailer will be located in the Brickyard Plaza and open to the public during NASCAR hours, Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 6-7, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit is handicapped accessible.(NASA Site)(8-3-2005)
Brickyard 400 Program: The Official Program for the 12th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, filled with 176 pages of entertaining, colorful and informative content about the prestigious annual NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will be available starting Friday, July 29. Fans can purchase the full-color, glossy program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, at the two Brickyard Authentics stores in Indianapolis, online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by calling (800) 955-INDY. The embossed, foil-stamped cover of the program features a painting by famed 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino, the Official Artist of the event. Fazzino’s artwork graced the cover of the 2004 Indianapolis 500 Official Program. The Official Program also includes complete event schedules, a track map, feature stories, driver biographies with color pictures and lists of various awards. Among the feature stories are pieces on four-time event winner Jeff Gordon, the 10th anniversary of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard victory by the late Dale Earnhardt, retiring veteran Rusty Wallace on the eve of his final start at Indianapolis, Mark Martin, Greg Biffle, brothers Kurt and Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Ken Schrader, NBC analyst and former NASCAR champion Benny Parsons, the America Supports You program for the U.S. Armed Forces, the Soap Box Derby, the 24 Hours of Indianapolis and much more. There’s plenty of fun in the Official Program for younger fans, too, including a Garfield “Fun-For-All” activity insert with puzzles and games.(IMS)(7-27-2005)
Actor named Grand Marshal of Brickyard 400: Allstate has named its television spokesperson and actor Dennis Haysbert to be the grand marshal of this year’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, Aug. 7 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Haysbert will participate in pre-race activities, including a ceremonial parade lap, and will wave the green flag to signal the start of the 12th running of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Staying with family tradition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS Chairman of the Board Mari Hulman George will deliver the famous command, “Gentlemen, start your engines.” Haysbert is perhaps best known as President David Palmer from the critically acclaimed, award-winning FOX television drama “24.” In 2003, his performance in the show earned Haysbert Golden Globe Award, NAACP Image Award and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. Haysbert made his feature film debut in 1989, portraying baseball player Pedro Cerrano in the sports comedy hit “Major League” and has starred in other films, including “Heat” (1995) and “Waiting to Exhale” (1995). Haysbert next will star in his own series, “The Unit,” for CBS. Haysbert also is a spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company and has appeared in commercials for the insurance company since 2003. Haysbert’s voice is featured in two new NASCAR television ads scheduled to break the week of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. “As a huge NASCAR fan, I am excited about Allstate’s sponsorship of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard,” Haysbert said. “And I’m equally excited and honored to be selected as the grand marshal of one of NASCAR’s premier races.”
Tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for the 12th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS PR)(7-26-2005)
Voice of Indy - Tom Carnegie OK: Tom Carnegie, longtime Indianapolis Motor Speedway public address announcer, was released from the hospital and plans to call the race on Sunday. Carnegie, 85, was hospitalized for tests Wednesday after feeling ill at the track. "Everything is fine," he said Friday. "They believe it was dehydration. The doctors did a lot of tests, and there is no problem with my heart." Carnegie, a retired sports anchor at Indianapolis television station WRTV, has been the PA voice of the Indianapolis 500 since 1946. Last year, he was inducted into the Indiana Associated Press Broadcast Association Hall of Fame.(ESPN.com/AP)(5-28-2005)
Sponsor for the Brickyard 400? UPDATE Allstate 400: The Brickyard 400 could be getting a new name, or at least a longer one. Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are expected to announce a title sponsor for the Aug. 7 race at a 1:00pm news conference today. A title sponsor would be the first in the 12 years NASCAR has been coming to Indianapolis. But it would not be the first for the Speedway, which had SAP on board as title sponsor of the U.S. Grand Prix until last year. Most Nextel Cup events either have title sponsors or are searching for them. The Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 have been the most notable holdouts [also Pocono has not had a title sponsor for many years now].(Indianapolis Star)(4-28-2005)
UPDATE: Allstate, the largest publicly held personal lines insurance company in America, announced two multi-year sponsorship agreements with racing icons on April 28. Allstate has signed a multi-year race entitlement with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the title sponsor for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard – becoming the first company to title sponsor the annual NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at the world-famous speedway. The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard airs Sunday, Aug. 7 at 2:30pm/et on NBC. The creation of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard is just one part of the company’s foray into motorsports. Allstate also announced a multi-year deal with NASCAR, making the company the official insurance sponsor of NASCAR, which includes the auto, home and life insurance categories as well as an official sponsor for the categories of mutual funds and retirement products. Allstate becomes the first-ever insurance company to officially partner with NASCAR. Allstate plans to complement its NASCAR partnership and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard race with a number of local programming efforts, dedicated advertising and marketing initiatives. Allstate 400 tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for the 12th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS)(4-28-2005)
New Generation SAFER installed at Indy: Installation of the second generation of the revolutionary energy-absorbing SAFER Barrier is nearing completion at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Speedway crews have replaced the original Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) Barrier on the outside retaining wall of the Speedway oval’s four turns with a “Version 2” of the barrier. The total length of the SAFER Barrier on the outside retaining wall is 5,056 feet.
The Version 2 SAFER Barrier features these four major improvements:
●The barrier sections, which were straight in Version 1, are slightly rolled, or curved, to provide a smoother impact surface.
●A universal Styrofoam shape was created that is compatible with IndyCar Series cars and stock cars.
●Improved attachment points anchor the barrier to the existing concrete retaining walls.
●An increase of five steel tubes welded together form the barrier’s exterior instead of four used in the Version 1 barrier.
The Speedway also permanently lengthened the SAFER Barrier by 200 feet from the entrance of Turn 1 – also Turn 13 of the road course – northward into the main straightaway to add protection for drivers competing in the United States Grand Prix Formula One race. Inside retaining walls exiting Turns 2 and 4 each received 616 feet of the Version 1 SAFER Barrier that was removed from the outside walls. With the additional 1,232 feet on the inside walls, the total amount of concrete retaining wall at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway covered by the SAFER Barrier is 6,288 feet, or 1.19 miles. The most visible improvement is the addition of a fifth tube to the exterior of the barrier, adding strength to the area where the gearbox of a backward-sliding IndyCar Series strikes the barrier. The SAFER Barrier first was installed on the four outside retaining walls of the Speedway’s historic 2.5-mile oval in May 2002 after nearly four years of development by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League and University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility. NASCAR joined in the development of the project in September 2000.
IMS tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for either the Indianapolis 500, United States Grand Prix or Brickyard 400, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area,(317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS)(3-16-2005)
Bricks are back at the Brickyard, new SAFER: One of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s most visible pieces of history returned to its rightful place March 9 as crews began reinstalling the famous “Yard of Bricks” at the start/finish line. The Speedway’s “Yard of Bricks” serves as a tribute to the 2.5-mile oval’s most famous surface – 3.2 million paving bricks that were laid down in autumn 1909, just months after the track opened with a tar and crushed stone surface. Most of the bricks, except the middle portion of the main straightaway, were paved over with asphalt by 1939. In 1961, the main straightaway was finally paved with asphalt, and the “Yard of Bricks” tribute was established. Installing the new “Yard of Bricks,” which consists of more than 570 of the 1909-vintage bricks that were most recently in storage, signals the ceremonial end to a massive repaving project that saw 19,000 tons of asphalt laid to repave the Speedway’s 2.5-mile oval, pit lane and warm-up lanes. Crews began the project by milling 2.5 inches of the old surface in August 2004 and completed the paving process in early November. The previous bricks were carefully removed beginning Aug. 9 – one day after Jeff Gordon became a four-time Brickyard 400 winner. Crews then cut them into small pieces, and the Speedway made them available for sale to the public as a collectible item. Crews paved over the location of the “Yard of Bricks” during the repaving process last fall. Recently, they cut and removed an asphalt strip and began the process of installing the bricks. Forbes said this paving method was used to ensure the smoothest surface possible. Track crews have a few ancillary projects remaining to get the track into race-ready condition: striping the track, cutting in timing-and-scoring lines, and completing the installation of a new SAFER Barrier.
Brick collectibles remain available in limited quantities and can be obtained at the Brickyard Authentics Online Store at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, at the Speedway gift shops located in the Hall of Fame Museum or the Brickyard Authentics retail stores at Indianapolis International Airport and Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis.
IMS tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for either the Indianapolis 500, United States Grand Prix or Brickyard 400, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to .(IMS PR)(3-10-2005)
ISC and IMS's George set to make announcement? There is a long-standing rumor that there will soon be a joint announcement involving the International Speedway Corporation and Tony George. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation (IMSC) and ISC are already partners in The Motorsports Alliance, which ensures that their activities in circuit ownership do not conflict with one another. NASCAR uses Indianapolis Motor Speedway for one of its biggest events of the year and the IMSC-owned Indy Racing League regularly race on ISC circuits across the United States. Thus is in the interest of the ISC that the IRL remains healthy. The problem is that no-one is quite sure what is going to be announced although logically ISC must see open-wheeler racing as a good way to develop in the future now that NASCAR is reaching saturation point and international expansion is being considered. It may be that the parties consider that to be too big a step and want to increase their hold on the racing scene across the United States. ISC has already made a foray into sports car racing with the GrandAm championship, which it established in 1999 to bring stability to professional endurance road racing in America. This has been a big success and there has been speculation that ISC may now try to do the same thing with IRL, in league with George. It should be remembered that GrandAm was one of the companies that showed interest when CART's assets were up for sale at the start of 2004. Whatever the case, something is brewing that could have an effect on the popularity of open-wheeler racing in the United States - which would be a good thing for F1 which remains the exotic but respected cousin of Champ Car and IRL and the place where ambitious young drivers in both series want to end up.(Grandprix.com)(1-31-2005)
Indy Sponsor Extends Deal: Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. today announced an extension of its category-exclusive sponsorship of Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Brickyard 400 Nextel Cup race and the Indianapolis 500 through 2009. Financial terms were not announced.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-2-2005)
Talking Tom Carnegie Bobblehead on sale: The voice of legendary public address announcer Tom Carnegie has provided a soundtrack for fans at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the last 59 years. Now motorsports fans can bring Carnegie and some of his famous sayings from the Speedway to their homes. A talking bobblehead doll of Carnegie is now available for purchase for $29.95. Fans can buy the 8.5-inch-tall resin doll via the World Wide Web at the Online Store of the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, or at the IMS Gift Shops in the Speedway’s Hall of Fame Museum or at the Brickyard Authentics Stores located at Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis International Airport, respectively. The bobblehead also includes audio recordings of three of Carnegie’s most famous sayings over the years from his commentary during the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and United States Grand Prix, each saying selected by Carnegie:
●“And it’s a new track record!”
●“And heeee’s on it!”
●“Oh, no, he’s slowing down on the backstretch!”
Carnegie, 85, has been the PA voice of every race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since the 1946 Indianapolis 500, the first race at the facility after it reopened at the end of World War II. Since then, his rich, baritone voice and friendly personality have helped him become one of the most beloved and respected figures in Speedway history. “I’m excited about it, and the quality of the item is really good,” Carnegie said. “It’s a good salute to my 60th race this year.”(IMS PR)(1-5-2005)
Gordon Brickyard Collectible Available: Jeff Gordon’s historic fourth Brickyard 400 victory in August 2004 – one of the most memorable moments in the 95-year history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – is captured in a unique collectible from Mounted Memories now available for purchase. The framed collector’s piece measures 15 inches wide by 17 inches tall. It includes an 8-inch by 10-inch photo of Gordon raising his arms in triumph at the Yard of Bricks start-finish line after becoming just the fourth driver to win a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway four times, joining Indianapolis 500 legends A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears. Also included in the collectible is a piece of asphalt measuring approximately 1 ½ inches by 2 ½ inches from the start-finish line area of the Speedway’s famed 2.5-mile oval, and a 1/64th scale die-cast model of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet that Gordon drove to victory in this year’s race. Only 400 individually numbered of these Gordon-Brickyard 400 collectibles ever will be made, with a certificate of authenticity from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Mounted Memories.
Fans can buy this collectible via the World Wide Web at the Online Store of the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, or at the IMS Gift Shops in the Speedway’s Hall of Fame Museum or at the Brickyard Authentics Stores located at Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis International Airport, respectively. The Gordon-Brickyard 400 item is part of a series of collectibles including pieces of asphalt and brick from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which became available due to the first complete repaving of the Speedway’s racing surface since 1995.
2005 tickets: The 12th Brickyard 400 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005. To purchase tickets, camping or parking, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS PR)(12-14-2004)
IMS's George Honored: Tony George, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer, received the inaugural Pioneering and Innovation Award at the Autosport Awards Dec. 5 in London for his leadership in the development of the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) Barrier. George received the award at the annual gala at the Grosvenor House on behalf of the creators of the SAFER Barrier from Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the leader of the Bahrain International Grand Prix circuit.
The SAFER Barrier, under development by the Indy Racing League and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility since 1998, absorbs energy during impacts with retaining walls and is one of the more important safety breakthroughs in motorsports. NASCAR joined in the development of the system in September 2000.
"It's been a big step forward in speedway racing," George said. "It's something that was very important to me. The prospect of coming up with a soft wall has been something we have been working on for the better part of a decade. After several years of hard work, we called upon the expert advice of the people at the University of Nebraska. They have done a great job helping us in the development of this system. Everyone in the IRL and NASCAR worked very hard for this achievement."
This is the fourth major award that has been presented to honor George and the SAFER Barrier development team. The SAFER Barrier also received the Louis Schwitzer Award, SEMA Motorsports Engineering Award and GM Racing Pioneer Award in 2002.
The SAFER Barrier was installed in all four turns of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway a pioneer in safety for drivers, cars and tracks -- in time for the 86th Indianapolis 500 in 2002. It since has been installed at more than a dozen other tracks, and the latest iteration will be installed at the Speedway in the spring.
"Tony George s vision and commitment of resources really made this project happen," said Dr. Dean Sicking, director of the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility. Each 20-foot module of the SAFER Barrier consists of four rectangular steel tubes, welded together, to form a unified element. The modules are connected with four internal steel splices. Bundles of 2-inch-thick sheets of extruded, closed-cell polystyrene are placed between the concrete wall and the steel tubing modules every 10 feet.
"I think Tony s contribution has been tremendous," said four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears. "Taking the initiative to get the SAFER Barrier started has been a heck of a contribution to safety, not just for Indy cars but also for stock cars. To take the initiative, do the leg work, set up the test facilities, find the people and to continue to develop it and make it better as we go, that s a milestone in racing."(IMS PR)(12-7-2004)
Brickyard 400 Tickets Sales Underway: Tickets are on sale to the general public for the 2005 Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as the ticket renewal and upgrade process for 2004 customers is complete. All fans – newcomers to the event and previous attendees – can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office. The 12th Brickyard 400 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7 for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.(IMS PR)(12-1-2004)
Asphalt from Indy anyone? Pieces of asphalt from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track went on sale Friday exclusively in the Brickyard Authentics Online Store at www.Indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(10-2-2004)
No More Indy 500-Coca Cola 600 doubles? The Indianapolis 500, which in 2005 will be held for the 89th time, will begin at 12:00noon/ct [1:00pm/et] on May 29 after starting at 11:00am/ct [12:00noon/et] the past 41 years. Track officials said the switch is seen as a way to improve television ratings that have sagged in recent years. Other changes include a new four-day qualifying formet with bumping each day, less practice time and moving Carburetion Day to the Friday before the race.(Indianapolis Star/IMS Site), with the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway starting around 5:30pm/et the smae day, it may be near impossible for a driver [such as Robby Gordon or Tony Stewart] do the Indy 500/Coke 600 double, running both races in the same day.(9-15-2004)
Indy may get newer SAFER: Indianapolis Motor Speedway will get the latest version of the SAFER barrier before next season if the budget request of track president Tony George is approved. Top Speedway officials approve budget items in the fall. "What we have is fine, but I'd like to have the newest thing," George said this week. The Speedway developed the energy-absorbing barrier along with the Indy Racing League and NASCAR through the University of Nebraska's Midwest Roadside Safety Facility in Lincoln, Neb. The first concrete-covering system was installed at IMS before the 2002 Indianapolis 500. Since then, 19 tracks have purchased the SAFER system, which combines steel tubes and foam pads to cushion the impact of race cars. The new design, in place at most tracks, has a single tapered foam piece, five steel tubes instead of four and connecting straps rather than cables. "It's just an evolution of the system based on the things we've learned since that first barrier went up at Indy," said Ron Faller of Nebraska's facility. The opportunity to change systems is available to the Speedway now because the track is being repaved for the first time since 1995. The SAFER barrier has been removed and won't be reinstalled until next spring. George did not say how much the change costs. The SAFER barrier system is manufactured by the Elrod Corp. of Mooresville, Ind. Even if the Speedway does not add the new SAFER design in 2005, George said additional areas of the track's walls will be covered. Included will be the spot where Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher hit during the U.S. Grand Prix in June. Schumacher missed the current barrier in the oval's first turn by about 50 feet. Also to be addressed are inside wall positions at the exit of the second and fourth turns, George said. "Even if we don't get the new system for (2005), the current system can be tweaked," he said.(Indianapolis Star)(9-3-2004)
Indy to start repaving and 2005 Tix: Indianapolis Motor Speedway will begin work today on repaving its 2.5-mile oval. The resurfacing will be the first for the racing surface since 1995 and the first for the current pit road and warm-up lanes since they were built in 1993-94.(ThatsRacin.com)
AND The Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket office will accept ticket renewals and new ticket orders beginning Monday, Aug. 9. The 12th running of the Brickyard 400 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005. Tickets can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.(8-9-2004)
Brickyard 400 Program: The 2004 Brickyard 400 Official Program offers 160 pages of entertaining, colorful and informative reading, delivering fans complete information on the 11th annual NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series classic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2004 Brickyard 400 program is available during the race weekend, Aug. 6-8, at IMS program kiosks and gift shops located throughout the facility. It also is available now at the Brickyard Authentics stores, located at Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indy and the Indianapolis International Airport, on the Web at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by phone at (800) 955-INDY. The program retails for $10. There’s more to the program than features on top NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers and teams. Helpful information for fans, such as a facility map, event schedule, a driver roster and driver and event statistics, is provided. “Track Talk” also provides NASCAR facts, quotes and short features throughout the program. A “Garfield Superstar” insert provides plenty of fun for young race fans, including puzzles, games and other activities. The program cover features artwork by acclaimed artist Carlo Beninati, who also is profiled in the program.(IMS PR)(8-4-2004)
Tickets Available for Brickyard: Tickets for the Brickyard 400 can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.(IMS PR)(8-4-2004)
Rascal Flatts To Sing Anthem At Brickyard 400: Award-winning country music recording artists Rascal Flatts will sing the national anthem before the 11th Brickyard 400 on Aug. 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rascal Flatts, comprised of Jay DeMarcus, Gary Levox and Joe Don Rooney, has become one of the most popular country music groups after releasing just two albums, with more than 4 million copies sold.(IMS Site)(7-19-2004)
Tix Available for the Brickyard 400: Tickets for the 11th annual Brickyard 400 on Aug. 8 are on sale and can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.(IMS Site)(7-19-2004)
Busch Race at IMS? Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Tony George is considering adding a 250-mile Busch race to next year's schedule of events, according to sources in Indianapolis.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-28-2004)
2005 Brickyard 400 Date: Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2005 Brickyard 400 is expected to be confirmed as Aug. 7 when NASCAR releases its Nextel Cup schedule Friday.(Indianapolis Star)(5-13-2004)
Miller Announces Concert Series: Miller Brewing Company announced this year’s “Rock ‘n’ Racing” concert series will kickoff with a trackside concert featuring popular rock band Live during the NASCAR Auto Club 500, May 1 at California Speedway in Fontana, California. Miller’s Rock ‘n’ Racing program combines two of our country’s greatest pastimes – racing and live music. It will feature a series of trackside concerts at select NASCAR Nextel Cup and the Indianapolis 500, including:
May 1, Fontana, NASCAR Auto Club 500 featuring Live
May 22, Charlotte, NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge featuring Live
May 27, Indianapolis, IRL’s Carb Day featuring Blues Traveler
July 9, Chicago, NASCAR Nextel Cup Tropicana 400 featuring Puddle of Mudd
Sept. 4, Fontana, NASCAR Nextel Cup Pop Secret 500 featuring TBD band
During the Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, Rusty Wallace’s No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge will race with a special rock ‘n’ roll paint scheme featuring Puddle of Mudd to promote the July concert.(Tom Roberts PR)(4-30-2004)
Some Indy News and Get Well Tom: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has increased the number of reserved parking lots for its races to seven, including a new lot across the street from the main entrance on 16th Street. Call (317) 492-6700 for reservations. Legendary IMS public address announcer Tom Carnegie is recovering from pneumonia, but he expects to be ready for opening day at the track May 9.(Indianapolis Star)(4-10-2004)
Indy to be re-paved after Brickyard 400: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is getting a makeover. Track officials announced plans Wednesday to repave the 2 1/2-mile oval after the Brickyard 400 on August 8. According to the Indianapolis Star, the repaving project -- the first at the track since 1995 -- will cost about $2 million.(Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR)(4-1-2004)
Brickyard 400 Tix on Sale: Tickets for the Brickyard 400 on Aug. 8 are now on sale at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They can be purchased at the ticket office, by phone or mail or online at indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(Indy Star)(2-13-2004)
New Parking Lot at Indy: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is buying and clearing 16 acres across 16th Street to make room for more parking for race days. Crews are demolishing the Classic Motor Inn and will begin soon on the American Art and Clay Co. factory. Motor Speedway executives said the demolished buildings would be replaced with parking lots for cars and recreational vehicles. Some of the space near the main gate area will be used for food and racing merchandise vendors. The land is expected to be resurfaced in time for the May activities surrounding the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race on May 30.(Indianapolis Star)(2-10-2004)
Sad News: Jim Phillippe, a longtime public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has died after a long illness. He was 84. Beginning with the 1950 Indianapolis 500, Phillippe announced every race at the speedway until August's Brickyard 400. For 35 years Phillippe also announced the home basketball and football games for Butler University, where he taught drama and radio. He is a member of the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.(Yahoo Sports/AP and see a larger story at the Indianapolis Star)(12-17-2003)
2004 Brickyard Renewals NOW: Brickyard 400 fans are encouraged to send their ticket renewals, upgrades and orders for the 2004 race, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 8, to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as soon as possible. Customers who are upgrading or purchasing Brickyard 400 tickets for the first time should act quickly to increase their chances of obtaining their desired seats. To purchase tickets, camping or parking, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY or log on to indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(8-6-2003)
Laps at the Brickyard: Bill Elliott, the 2002 Brickyard 400 champion, has completed a record 1,599 of a possible 1,600 laps in 10 starts. Bobby Labonte, the 2000 race champion, finished one lap down and has completed 1,598 laps. Robby Gordon joined John Andretti and Tony Stewart as the only drivers to lead laps in both the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400. Gordon led the Brickyard race for the first time Sunday, and also has led the open-wheel Indy 500 in 1993, 1995, 1999 and 2003. Three-time Brickyard 400 winner Jeff Gordon led three laps. He has led a record eight Brickyard 400s and a record 309 laps.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(8-4-2003)
Narrow Pit Road; F-1 road an option in the future? #25-Joe Nemechek has become a fan of Formula One at Indy, if for no other reason than envy. The Winston Cup veteran and No. 7 starter for today's race wants to use the pavement strip that F-1 uses for pit road. Nemechek contends Indy's oval-track pit road is too narrow at 39 feet wide. The F-1 pit road is 50 feet wide. "I want to ask (Speedway president) Tony George if we can use the F-1 road," Nemechek said. "The one we've got is so narrow that you've really got to be careful. It's one of the narrowest we've got." A narrow pit road requires precision on entry and exit. If a team pitting in the middle of pit road decides to take fewer tires than its competition, the driver must dodge incoming and outgoing traffic. But there are no plans to use the F-1 road. The Speedway has temporary bleachers there and has sold all of the tickets. Plus, the grandstands in the area closest to the fourth turn are permanent.(Indianapolis Star)(8-3-2003)
Safety at IMS: Indianapolis Motor Speedway is using the traveling Indy Racing League safety team for today's race, and Bill Elliott says it's time for NASCAR to have its own traveling safety crew. ``It's something I'd like to see NASCAR adopt,'' he said. ``I feel like it's time this sport goes into a realm of common people coming in every week that know the drivers and understand what the values are out there. My hat's off to [IMS president] Tony George and all the guys here because they have been on the leading edge of safety. When we talk about soft walls, all this stuff, they put them up.''(Tampa Tribune)(8-3-2003)
Cooling at Indy: Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials will introduce two new fan amenities to help spectators beat the heat during the Brickyard 400 weekend, Aug. 1-3. Nearly 40 misting stations are being installed around the facility to help race fans cool off. Indianapolis’ bus transit service – IndyGo – is assisting by providing the Speedway with three air-conditioned buses to help cool race fans. The buses will be positioned near medical stations. So far this July in Indiana has been cooler than normal, but Speedway officials are preparing for possible warmer weather. The heat index in Indianapolis on race day of the 2002 Brickyard 400 soared past the 100-degree mark. “The Hulman-George family and Speedway officials are very aware of the experiences of their fans,” said Joie Chitwood, senior vice president of business affairs for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “The heat last year was tough on everyone, and we’re taking steps to minimize the impact if we see temperatures similar to last year.”(IMS Site)(7-28-2003)
Brickyard 400 Singers: Indianapolis Motor Speedway says the Montgomery Gentry singing group will peform the national anthem before the Aug. 3 running of the Brickyard 400.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-25-2003)
Not NASCAR, but a NASCAR Track: The [F-1] United States Grand Prix will still be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2004 but it's going to run at a different time. Instead of its traditional fall date, American's lone Formula One show will be moving to early summer. ESPN.com has learned from sources close to the situation that June 20, 2004, will be the new date for Michael Schumacher and Co. at the world's most famous race track. Neither F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone or IMS president Tony George could be reached for comment and Ron Green, director of public relations for the Speedway, would neither confirm or deny ESPN.com's report. It's been rumored Ecclestone might move the USGP back to Long Beach, Calif., or possibly try Las Vegas again after his original five-year contract with Indianapolis expires after 2004. But he does have option years available with George and IMS.(ESPN)(7-8-2003)
Dover, Indy and SMI? Rumor has it that Dover, Indianapolis and Speedway Motorsports Inc. have had talks to somehow combine forces with their current twelve Winston [Nextel] Cup dates and make a greater impact on NASCAR.(Insider Racing News)(6-23-2003)
Indy Speedway historian loses personal treasures in fire: Between 30 and 40 photos of famous race car drivers were destroyed after fire damaged the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's historian. IIt could have been worse," Donald Davidson said Friday as he emerged from his basement after inspecting the damage with a firefighter. "I lost stuff I'd forgotten I had." The lost photos included one of Davidson standing next to drivers such as Arie Luyendyk and Emerson Fittipaldi, and another picture of Ray Harroun - the winner of the first Indy 500 in 1911. The fire appeared to have started in a basement dryer at Davidson's house Thursday night, and fire officials estimated there was $20,000 in structural damage. Davidson said his official files and memorabilia collected from more than three decades as a statistician and historian for the U.S. Auto Club and the speedway were safe.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-14-2003)
Indy Tix Available, not for Brickyard yet: Daily admission, race-day reserved seats and parking tickets are now available on-line for the 2003 Indianapolis 500 and the United States Grand Prix. Reserved seat tickets for the Brickyard 400 are not yet available online, but daily admission and parking tickets are currently being sold online.(IMS Site), also see my Ticket Info and Links page for tickets to races.(2-1-2003)
Indy to be added to NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway: The world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval will soon become a part of the NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway experience when the track is added to the unique racing center simulators on February 2. In conjunction with the launch of simulated racing at Indianapolis on February 2, NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway locations throughout the United States will participate in the “Brickyard Challenge” promotion. The racing centers also currently feature Atlanta Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway on the simulators. Bristol Motor Speedway was added in October. Perfect Line's NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway racing centers are the largest chain of officially licensed, NASCAR-branded interactive entertainment stores in the world, more information at www.SMSonline.com(1-15-2003)
Indy Trying to Sell Brickyard Title Deal: Indianapolis Motor Speedway has launched an effort to sell title sponsorship of the Brickyard 400 for the first time since the Winston Cup race debuted in 1994, according to this week's Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal. Writer Terry Lefton says the three-year package is priced at $2.1 million for the first year and escalates to $2.3 million in the third year. The story points out that the title deal does not include a television component, which would have to be negotiated separately if the sponsor wants the name mentioned during the broadcast on NBC.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)
AND Title sponsorship for the Brickyard 400 is for sale. The price, for the next three years, is $6.4 million, an Indianapolis Motor Speedway official said Monday. There are no takers yet. IMS spokesman Fred Nation said there are no plans for the Indianapolis 500 to have a title sponsor.(Indianapolis Star)(11-5-2002)
Chitwood to Indy: Joie Chitwood III, vice president and general manager of Raceway Associates, LLC, has accepted a senior level management position with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His move to the historic speedway will be effective Tuesday, October 1, 2002. Chitwood began his residency in Joliet in May of 1999, where he oversaw the construction, grand opening and first two seasons of operations of Chicagoland Speedway. In addition to his responsibilities at Chicagoland Speedway he supervised the day-to-day operations of the Route 66 Raceway drag strip.(Chicagoland Speedway PR)(8-16-2002)
No Changes in NASCAR Indy races: NASCAR president Mike Helton said there are no plans to alter the lineups of the races held this weekend at the Speedway or at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Helton said the CTS and BGN will remain at IRP, while the IROC cars will continue to be the sole partner to the Winston Cup race at IMS. The Brickyard 400 was held for the ninth time Sunday. Helton said NASCAR would never consider a race on the Speedway's 2.66-mile road course. He likened it to the Winston Cup series no longer needing a road course race in Riverside, Calif., when the spiffy 2-mile oval at Fontana is available. The reason NASCAR holds races on road courses in Sonoma, CA, and Watkins Glen, NY, is that there are no oval alternatives in those markets, Helton said.(Indianapolis Star)(8-5-2002)
2003 Brickyard 400 per TV ads before the 2002 Brickyard 400, the 2003 Brickyard 400 will be run on Sunday, August 3rd, 2003.(8-4-2002)
Indy and coolers UPDATE: have seen or heard nothing about coolers or security restrictions at the Brickyard 400 in Indy this weekend.
UPDATE: On the back of each ticket , it mentions that coolers are limited to 14 inches in length, with no glass containers. PLUS: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway allows personal coolers not larger than 14" by 14" by 14" to be carried into the grounds. No glass containers are allowed. Patrons may also bring in small backpacks and/or carry a bag in for food and personal items. All coolers, bags, backpacks and purses are subject to search at the gate.(Brickyard 400 site).(8-1-2002)
Indy Walls to stay for F1: An energy-absorbing barrier installed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500 in May will remain in place for the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix. The Speedway put the steel and foam barriers in all four turns of the 2.5-mile oval for the 500, although Turn One - the 13th turn for the Formula One race - is the only one that is incorporated into the 2.6-mile road course. The U.S. Grand Prix will be held on Sept. 29.(Augusta Chronicle/AP)(7-31-2002)
IMS naming rights stay...for now: The media center at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will remain the WorldComplex at least through the end of this year despite the financial troubles of WorldCom Inc., which last year signed a long-term contract for the naming rights. Speedway spokesman Fred Nation said the company, which Tuesday admitted to $3.9 billion in accounting fraud, has paid its bill through the year. He did not reveal the amount.(Indianapolis Star News)(6-27-2002)
Indy Soft Walls - Announcement UPDATE: The energy-absorbing soft-wall system that will be unveiled today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway could revolutionize driver safety in high-speed racing accidents. But the actual manufacturing of the padding configuration that covers the concrete outside walls in the track's four corners is relatively easy, project director Brian Barnhart told The Star on Tuesday. The energy-absorbing soft-wall system that will be unveiled today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway could revolutionize driver safety in high-speed racing accidents. But the actual manufacturing of the padding configuration that covers the concrete outside walls in the track's four corners is relatively easy, project director Brian Barnhart told The Star on Tuesday. Officials at today's afternoon news conference will explain how the Speedway went from the tube-based arrangement that was installed in the inside of the fourth turn in 1998 to the new system. NASCAR president Mike Helton will also be in attendance today.(Indianapolis Star)(5-1-2002)
UPDATE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, America's most historic auto racing course, will this month serve as a real-world laboratory for a "next evolution" energy-absorbing barrier that has been installed on the outside walls of its four turns. "We believe this is a part of motorsports' future," Tony George, president of the 2.5-mile track that opened in 1909, said Wednesday as the new barrier, called the SAFER - for Steel and Foam Energy Reduction - was detailed to the media for the first time. The barrier, stacks of four rectangular steel tubes welded into modules 20 feet long and 38 1/2 inches high and then backed by several inches of polystyrene foam, covers 4,240 feet of the track's outside wall, 1,060 feet in each turn. George and Brian Barhnart, vice president of operations for the Indy Racing League, said the barrier will be in place throughout practice for the Indianapolis 500, which opens Sunday, and would stay there for the May 26 race itself barring unexpected problems in its performance. The Indianapolis track and the IRL have been working with of the University of Nebraska's Midwest Roadside Safety Facility on barrier research since 1998. At the IRL's invitation, NASCAR joined in the development project in September of 2000. Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director for competition, said NASCAR would watch the performance of the SAFER barrier during the Indy 500 activities, but would not commit to when NASCAR might install the barriers at one of its tracks. "It is really a misnomer to attach the word 'soft' to this in any way," Barnhart said, referring to the "soft wall" term often used to describe energy-absorbing barriers. "There isn't anything soft about an impact barrier for race cars."(ThatsRacin.com)(5-2-2002)
Installation of Softwalls at Indy starts: Revolutionary soft walls at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been approved and the installation is under way. A tour of the track revealed the outside wall of turn four has been lined with the absorptive padding developed over the past three years by Indy Racing League officials and engineers at the University of Nebraska. The third turn was receiving the same treatment Friday. Weather permitting, similar work in the first and second corners should be completed in time for a news conference Wednesday to announce the project. Speedway spokesman Fred Nation said he would not confirm the installation until then. The Speedway, built in 1909, is the first oval track in the world to install pads to cover unforgiving concrete walls, designed to absorb and dissipate energy in high-speed racing accidents. Forty drivers have been killed at the Speedway over the years, many following contact with the outside walls. The padding will cover an estimated 1,100 feet in each of the Speedway's four corners. The thickness of the padding will be approximately 20 inches in the center of the corners, tapering off significantly at the ends. The height of the soft walls is about four feet. The system was developed in partnership with NASCAR, which means it should remain on the track for stock car racing's Brickyard 400 unless problems arise in the Indy 500. Barnhart expects other national-level tracks to purchase the system for high-impact corners.(Indianapolis Star)(4-27-2002)
Softwalls at Indy Close to being a done deal: Soft walls at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are almost a reality pending final approval from track president Tony George. Brian Barnhart, vice president of operations for the IRL, told The Star on Tuesday that the safety committee he chairs has recommended to George that the walls be installed in time for the Indianapolis 500 on May 26. The walls, developed with researchers at the University of Nebraska, would be installed on the outside walls of all four turns. Barnhart said two weeks ago that he was awaiting the results of two final tests at the Nebraska facility, the 18th and 19th done in conjunction with the IRL, before making a recommendation. The final test was successfully completed Friday. The walls come in 20-foot sections. Barnhart estimated about 4,500 feet would be required to fully pad all four corners. A mock installation of a 60-foot section was completed a month ago to give officials an idea of how long the process takes. From that, Barnhart said he is confident the task could be completed in time for the opening of Indianapolis 500 official practice May 5. Few details of the actual composition of the walls have been released. Barnhart estimated the cost at between $160 and $175 per linear foot installed.(Indianapolis Star). NOTE: NASCAR nor the Brickyard 400 are mentioned in the article.(4-24-2002)
Indy Pagoda Named: The naming rights to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's landmark pagoda officially were awarded Tuesday to Bombardier, a Montreal-based transportation giant. For its undisclosed investment, Bombardier will get year-round access to one of the pagoda's major suites -- the one previously used by track chairman Mari Hulman George -- and signage atop the 160-foot-high structure. Bombardier will sponsor the IRL's $50,000 rookie of the year award, contribute to the 500's point fund and sponsor a race This year, that race will be Sunday in Phoenix. George also expects Bombardier to eventually be involved in the transportation of IRL teams, officials and sponsors to races through chartered aircraft. But the real benefit for both sides figures to come from Bombardier's national network of dealers, who sell company-made all-terrain vehicles, sport boats and snowmobiles. George envisions cross-promotions, including snowmobile trips with two-time Indy winner Al Unser Jr. The pagoda becomes the third Speedway building to have its naming rights sold. The others are the medical and media centers. George said title sponsorship of the 500 is not for sale and Bombardier's demographics do not fit with buying sponsorship of NASCAR's Brickyard 400.(Indianapolis Star)(3-13-2002)
Brickyard Tribute to Earnhardt: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chairman Tony George said Friday at Nashville Superspeedway that his track will not over-emphasize the popular driver's death with tributes at next month's race. With Teresa Earnhardt 's approval, the Speedway will show a pre-race video of its 1995 Brickyard winner and devote a page to him in the race program. Similar things were done last year in honor of Indianapolis native Kenny Irwin Jr., who also was killed in a stock-car crash. "I felt like most of the closure would be when they went back to Daytona (two weeks ago)," George said. "Enough time has passed now, everything has been done (tribute-wise) and people have grieved. It's time to move on." George said Teresa Earnhardt asked last week that any tribute the Speedway did be "upbeat," which George agreed to(Indianapolis Star)(7-21-2001)
Leno to drive Pace Car at Indy: Jay Leno, who two years ago drove the pace car at the Indianapolis 500, will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo to lead the starting field of NASCAR Brickyard 400 on Aug. 5. The host of NBC's "Tonight Show" was joined at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday by Jeff Gordon, a three-time Winston Cup series champion from nearby Pittsboro, Ind., and winner of the Brickyard 400 in 1994 and 1998. "Jeff's a nice guy and a great NASCAR driver, but, boy, he needs some help in the joke department," Leno said. "I had hoped to give him a tip or two on driving this track, but like a good student, I listened to his advice." Leno collects antique and classic cars and motorcycles and has driven in some celebrity races. The Brickyard pace car will be a specially modified 2001 Monte Carlo, with increased horsepower and a lowered suspension. Chevrolet has paced the Brickyard 400 every year since its inception in 1994.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(5-31-2001)
Soft Walls at Indy: Indianapolis Motor Speedway has installed a special polyethylene energy dissipating system -- padded walls -- inside the turn four exit. The padding was first used here in 1998 and updated last year. It has attracted special attention in the wake of two fatal crashes this season at New Hampshire Speedway. Driver Kenny Wallace said the padding should be mandatory at every track. NASCAR spokesman Kevin Triplett said the association will consider any safety suggestions, but stopped short of endorsing the largely-untested padded walls(Tennessean)(8-4-2000)
Kentucky Buy Indy's Winners Circle: the new Kentucky Speedway will also feature a little bit of auto racing history. Speedway Vice President Mark Cassis said speedway officials learned recently that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was installing a new winner's circle platform as part of a major refurbishing at the track. The old winner's circle was for sale. So they bought it for to use asa the Kentucky Speedway Winners Circle. The winner's circle platform is used to display the winning car immediately after a race(Cincinnati Enquirer)(2-18-2000)
Indy Story: IRL, F-1 will make 2000 pivotal year for Speedway by Bill Koenig(SpeedNet)(1-27-2000)
Indy Big Screens: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has purchased six additional large-screen video displays from Daktronics Inc. The screens are scheduled to be installed prior to the Indianapolis 500 on May 28 (SpeedNet)(1-26-2000)
Indy 500/IRL TV Deal: Indianapolis 500, Pep Boys Indy Racing League Announce Five-Year Broadcast Partnership With ABC, ESPN(Indy 500 page)(5-20-1999)
Indy getting ready for F1 - see the AP story at CNN/SI - No time to waste - Indy starts demolition for F1 construction, improvements(12-24-98)
Indy Installs Seven Large-Screen Video Displays: Seven permanent large-screen video displays will be installed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in time for use at the 1999 Indianapolis 500, Speedway President and CEO Tony George announced. See the complete story at Motorsport News International - Indy Installs Seven Large-Screen Video Displays(Sue's ADNASCAR Daily Newsletter)(12-17-98)
F1 to the Brickyard: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation and the Formula One Administration Limited (FOA) have reached an agreement in principle to return Formula One racing to the United States in 2000 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, both parties announced today, see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Site for the story and see the iRACE story by Steve Smith: F1 to Indy: Will America care?(12-3-98)
Indy/Fox? Fox officials are expected to submit an offer next week on a four- to five-year contract beginning in 2000 for the famed Indianapolis 500, NASCAR's popular Brickyard 400 and 10 Indy Racing League races. Check out the USA Today column - Fox to bid on Indy package by Rudy Martzke, TV Sports.(11-13-98)
Demolition of one of the true landmarks of American racing, the scoring and timing tower at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will begin today. A partially completed replacement is expected to be ready for next May's Indy 500, but work won't be finished until some time in 2000.(Times-Dispatch)(8-2-98)
NAPA will sponsor the Brickyard 400 at Indy in August.(NASCAR Online)(6-23-98)
What the Motorola 300 at Gateway lacked in Indy-esque spectacle, it more than made up for in the sizzling rumor department. According to the buzz in the paddock, track magnate Bruton Smith might be mounting a surprise bid to buy the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the Hulman family.(by Chris Jenkins - The Sporting News / iRace)(5-27-98)
Indianapolis is bidding for the 2000 Republican National Convention. If Indianapolis wins the bid, the political powers may have to ask Tony George to move the Brickyard date (in 2000), as the two events would be at the same time.(StockCarFans)(4-13-98)
One rumor circulating around Indianapolis is that with the traditional four days of qualifying being reduced to one weekend, and practice cut from two weeks to one, that a second WC date may happen at the Brickyard. I myself find this highly unlikely(9-11-97)
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will install rumble strips at the edge of the grass and approximately 32 inches below the white line, designed to be the bottom of the racing groove. The strips will be removable and figure to be taken out when the Speedway staff does its surface modification after the Aug. 2 event. The strip were not on the track during testing but will be there when practice starts, July 30th(SpeedNet 7-16-97)
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has put down 18 inches of asphalt in the turns at a different angle than the track to prevent the cars from running too low in the corners and the grass like they did in 1996(per RPM2Nite 7-8-97)

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