The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

IRL Announces Indy 500 Schedule Change for 1998

11 September 1997


INDIANAPOLIS 500 SCHEDULE TO CHANGE FOR 1998

For Immediate Release

INDIANAPOLIS, September 11, 1997 -- Tony George, president of the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, announced today that qualifications for
the 1998 Indianapolis 500 will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday,
May 16 and 17, the first time in recent history that two qualification
days will be used for the race.

The track will open for practice this year on Sunday, May 10, eight
days later than in recent years, George said, providing a more intense
and entertaining pre-race program.

"This coming May, we will take a step long discussed and considered,
and now decided," George said.  We will be changing our May practice
and qualification schedule to provide more intensity, more action, and
a better show for our fans."

Veteran 500 drivers will take to the track on opening day, as will
rookies in training.  Beginning on Monday and continuing through
Friday, the track will be open for practice from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m,
with the lunch hour downtime of recent years eliminated.

"We expect to have virtual non-stop action from Opening Day, Sunday,
May 10, through the end of Bump Day at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 17, a treat
for fans and drivers alike," George said.

Traditional activities at the track will continue, with several
additional entertainment activities expected to join the schedule,
George said.  Sunday, May 10, in addition to being Opening Day, will
also be "Save Arnold Day," the popular barbeque that benefits Indiana
Special Olympics and hosted by Mari Hulman George, chairman of the
board of the Speedway.  Armed Forces Day will be celebrated on Sunday,
May 17, while Community Day will be Wednesday, May 20.  Carburetion
Day will be Thursday, May 21, and the Driver's Meeting and 500
Festival Parade downtown will occur on Saturday, May 23.

In addition, FanFest, a free admission entertainment experience for
those attending practice or qualifications, will be open every day the
track is open, the first time such a schedule has been kept.

George also noted that the Speedway expects to announce additional
events happening at the track during May.  He mentioned the probable
return of popular hot air balloon races to the May schedule, as well
as events designed to honor former drivers, reuniting them with their
vintage race cars, and displays of antique cars among possible
additions to the May schedule.

"All will be designed to give our customers more for their money,
adding value for our fans, and making their visit to the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway more entertaining and more intense," he said.

"These kind of changes in the month of May schedule have been talked
about for years, but now the time is right to make them," George said.

"The whole world of racing is changing rapidly, and we will change
too, when those changes make sense.  The time is right for a shorter,
more intense practice period.  The time is right for a two- day
qualifying weekend.  The time is right to make this decision, and we
have."

Earlier this week, George announced the Speedway will construct a new
Master Race Control Tower and other improvements designed to by ready
for the May, 2000 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.  The new Tower,
reminiscent in design of the legendary Pagodas which served as control
towers from 1913-1956, will be one of the largest construction
programs ever undertaken at the Speedway.

The new construction project underscores once again the commitment of
the Hulman-George family to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and to the
heritage and tradition it represents.
/pre>