US GP security in place

INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Sept. 21, 2001 - Heightened security measures will be in place for fans attending the SAP United States Grand Prix on Sept. 28-30, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George announced today.

"Public safety is our first priority, and I am grateful to the law enforcement and emergency response community for their cooperation in reviewing and strengthening the plans for the SAP United States Grand Prix," George said. "A number of additional measures will be taken, some our fans will see, some they won't, but all of them are being taken to assure we are doing what needs to be done for the security of all." Among the measures that will be apparent to those attending are:

*Strict enforcement of rules limiting any coolers carried in to no more than 14 inches wide by 14 inches high.

*All coolers, backpacks and handbags will be subject to security inspection at the gates of the Speedway.

*Additional uniformed officers will be stationed at each gate to monitor inspections.

A number of other measures will be employed on the grounds to tighten security during the week of the race and on Race Day Sept. 30, but details will not be released.

"We have a model safety and security plan in place that has been refined during the last 30 years, and it has been copied and applied at other large venues around the country," said Jeff Dine, chief of police for the Town of Speedway, Ind., and chair of the Law Enforcement Safety Group that coordinates security for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's three annual events.

"Federal, state and local agencies all work together here seamlessly, and all have reviewed and updated the procedures in light of the current situation. Many of our efforts have and will go unnoticed, and that is the intended purpose."

Public safety officers at the SAP United States Grand Prix work under a coordinated command with the ability to communicate across agency lines. "There is no better system at any large event anywhere than what we have in place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," Dine said. Fans attending on Race Day should plan to arrive as early as possible.

"I know our fans will understand and welcome the additional measures that we are putting in place," George said. "Entry into the facility may be slowed, so it will be very helpful for fans to come early and even out the flow into the Speedway."

Gates will open at 6 a.m. (EST) on Race Day. The race starts at 1 p.m. (EST).

-IMS_