Children's Museum Vintage Grand Prix at IRP in Mid-October
17 September 1997
IRP'S CHILDREN'S MUSEUM VINTAGE G.P. OFFERS PRICELESS IMAGES OF NASCAR, ROAD RACING HERITAGE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INDIANAPOLIS (September 15, 1997) -- Visions of stock car, sports car and open wheel racing history return to the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Raceway Park road course Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12, 1997, for the second annual Children's Museum Vintage Grand Prix. Proceeds from the event benefit The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children's museum in the world. The inaugural Children's Museum Vintage Grand Prix last year raised $73,000 for the museum. Over 300 cars are expected to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. Cars of note will include over 30 privately-owned classic NASCAR stock cars once driven by the likes of Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace and other NASCAR legends. Numerous Formula cars such as Formula 5000s and Formula Fords, plus a full palette of sports cars from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and rare Bugattis, Alfa Romeos and MGs will round out the competitive divisions. "The Children's Museum Vintage Grand Prix is unique because is brings together in one venue the roots of contemporary road course, stock car and Indy car racing," said Chuck Maranto, Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association (VSCDA) event chairperson. "Many of the sports cars certainly add a European flair to the event, which is unique for Midwest vintage racing, but the NASCAR stock cars and open wheel cars speak well for American oval and road course racing history." According to Maranto, the Children's Museum Vintage Grand Prix is a very special event for the VSCDA because it allows several generations to enjoy the historical motorsports experience together. "The open paddock and pits allows all spectators to view the cars up close, but this is the only event in vintage racing where the children are truly the 'VIPs,'" he said. "We want our sport to grow for generations to come, and the many activities at the Vintage Grand Prix provide the kids and their families with an unforgettable experience." Special activities include a daily lunchtime track tour for children in the vintage cars, plus special interactive displays sponsored by The Children's Museum. Activities begin Friday, Oct. 10 with an 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. practice session. Another practice session follows lunch from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday's schedule starts with practice from 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., followed by qualifying at 1:30 and a one-hour enduro race at 5 p.m. Warm-up laps begin Sunday at 10:30 a.m., with racing at 1:15 p.m. Lunchtime track tours for children take place everyday from 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for a two-day weekend pass for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Call IRP at (317) 293-RACE or the Children's Museum Box Office at (317) 924-5431, ext. 3251 for tickets and information. CONTACT: Eric Powell (317) 387-7342 ericpowe@ind.cioe.com
