IPS: USGP walkabout returns in 2005

U.S. GRAND PRIX PIT WALKABOUT RETURNS TO SPEEDWAY JUNE 16

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, March 7, 2005 -- The popular United States Grand Prix pit walkabout will return for a third consecutive year Thursday, June 16, kicking off the USGP weekend, June 16-19.

The walkabout will take place from 8 a.m.-noon (local time) and is free to all 2005 USGP ticket holders. This is one of the few fan walkabouts available on the 19-event, global F1 schedule in 2005.

Walkabouts in 2003 and 2004 were resounding successes, as thousands of fans packed the Formula One garage area and pit road to get an up-close look at the exotic cars and sophisticated teamwork of Formula One.

The 2004 walkabout also introduced a variety of new attractions that will continue this year, including an autograph session with past and present Formula One greats, a question-and-answer session on the Pagoda Plaza Stage with F1 personalities, a Car Corral featuring displays of exotic cars, live music on the Plaza Stage and a variety of food concessions in the Plaza.

"We're excited to continue the pit walkabout to start track activities for the United States Grand Prix," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. "The walkabout has become one of the most fan-friendly attractions in motorsports in just two years, and we are planning even more interaction between the F1 community and fans this year."

During the pit walkabout, fans can walk the pits and stand adjacent to the open garages, providing a clear view of the sleek cars, high-tech equipment and skilled personnel of all 10 Formula One teams, including standouts Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, Mild Seven Renault, BMW WilliamsF1 Team, Lucky Strike BAR Honda and West McLaren Mercedes. Those top teams will lead the field into the sixth annual Formula One race June 19 on the 2.605-mile road circuit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Menards Infiniti Pro Series paddock also will be open during the walkabout, so fans can get close to the cars of the Indy Racing League's development series, which will race on the road circuit at the Speedway during the USGP weekend.

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USGP tickets: Tickets for the 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis on June 19 are on sale. 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.

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