IPS: IMS' USGP pre-event fast facts, schedule

2007 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX FAST FACTS

What: United States Grand Prix Formula One race
Seventh of 17 races on 2007 FIA World Championship schedule

When: June 15-17, 2007

Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis

Facility was constructed in 1909, with a 2.5-mile oval circuit. The Indianapolis 500 has taken place annually on the oval track since 1911, except during America's involvement in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. A multimillion-dollar construction project started in December 1998 and completed in September 2000 included a 2.605-mile road circuit, the new Bombardier Learjet Pagoda control tower, Formula One garages and a four-story Media Center.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world. The Speedway plays host to three of the largest-attended sporting events in the world: The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the United States Grand Prix, which set a modern-day attendance record for the Formula One series in 2000.

Distance:
73 laps, 190.1504 miles (306.016 km) or a maximum of two hours

Circuit:
Total track length: 2.605 miles (4.192 kilometers)

Main straight length: 3,037 feet (926 meters)

Back straight length: 1,755 feet (535 meters)

Total turns:
13 (Left turns -- 4; Right turns -- 9)

Average track width:
46 feet (14 meters)

Race record:
1 hour, 29 minutes, 43.181 seconds, 127.168 mph (204.648 km/h), Michael Schumacher, June 19, 2005

Race record lap:
1 minute, 10.399 seconds, 133.207 mph (214.366 km/h), Rubens Barrichello, June 20, 2004

Qualifying record lap:
1 minute, 10.223 seconds, 133.534 mph (214.903 km/h), Rubens Barrichello, June 19, 2004

The road circuit incorporates portions of the famed 2.5-mile oval. Formula One competitors drive on the short chute between Turns 1 and 2 of the oval, through Turn 1 of the oval and then down the front straightaway of the oval before entering the infield portion of the circuit just before Turn 4 of the oval. Formula One drivers drive clockwise on the course.

Support Series:
Indy Pro Series, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Michelin, Formula BMW USA

Tickets: Reserved Race Day and three-day "Season Passes" for the 2007 United States Grand Prix, June 15-17, are on sale to all customers. Ticket information can be found any time at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or by calling the IMS Ticket Office at (800) 822-4639 or (317) 492-6700. Ticket Office hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.

Pit Walkabout: The popular United States Grand Prix Pit Walkabout is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, returning for a fifth consecutive year for Season Pass and Race Day ticket holders. Gates will be open from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., with the F1 pit lane open from 8 a.m.-noon. Other fan-friendly activities, such as driver autograph sessions and driver interviews, will take place all day.

Event Schedule:
(All times local; subject to change)

Thursday, June 14
8 a.m.-noon Pit Walkabout

Friday, June 15
8:45-9:15 a.m. Indy Pro Series Practice session
10-11:30 a.m. Formula One First practice session
11:55 a.m.-12:25 p.m. IMSA GT3 Cup Practice session
12:50-1:20 p.m. Formula BMW USA Practice session
2-3:30 p.m. Formula One Second practice session
4-4:45 p.m. Indy Pro Series Qualifying session
5:10-5:40 p.m. Formula BMW USA Qualifying session

Saturday, June 16
10-11 a.m. Formula One Third practice session
11:25 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Formula BMW USA First race (35 minutes)
1-2 p.m. Formula One Qualifying session
2:30-3:15 p.m. IMSA GT3 Cup Qualifying session
3:45-4:20 p.m. Indy Pro Series Liberty Challenge first race (25 laps or 35 minutes)

Sunday, June 17
8:35-9:15 a.m. Indy Pro Series Liberty Challenge second race (25 laps or 35 minutes)
9:40-10:15 a.m. Formula BMW USA Second race (35 minutes)
10:40-11:15 a.m. IMSA GT3 Cup Race (30 minutes)
11:30 a.m. Formula One Drivers' track parade
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Formula One Grid presentation
1 p.m. Formula One United States Grand Prix (73 laps)

Television Schedule: (All times Eastern)

Thursday, June 14
USGP special Noon (delayed) SPEED

Friday, June 15
USGP practice 10 a.m. (live) SPEED
USGP practice 1 p.m. (live) SPEED

Saturday, June 16
USGP practice 11 a.m. (delayed) SPEED
USGP qualifying 1 p.m. (live) SPEED

Sunday, June 17
USGP race 1 p.m. (live) FOX

-credit: ims