USGP Indianapolis - Inaugural date set

DATE SET FOR INAUGURAL UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX AT INDIANAPOLIS Formula One to return to America on Sept. 24, 2000 at world's most famous speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, May 10, 1999 - The inaugural United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Formula One race will take place Sunday, Sept. 24, 2000 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, subject to application of the date from the ACCUS and ratification by the FIA, Speedway and Formula One Administration Limited officials announced today.

The United States Grand Prix will take place on a permanent, 2.61-mile (4.20-kilometer) circuit under construction at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, part of the multiyear agreement between the two parties. This event will be the first Formula One race in America since 1991.

Tickets will go on sale this fall, with complete information on ticket purchasing available at that time. "We are thrilled to announce a date for the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis," said Tony George, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "This is one of the most highly anticipated events in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history, as the fan response has been tremendous since we announced the event last December.

"The announcement of the date is an important step in the return of Formula One racing to the United States. It will allow fans, race teams and sponsors to make plans for this historic race. We look forward to working with the FIA and FOA in the next 16 months to ensure that this event is world-class in every aspect, adding to the legacy and tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as we enter the new millennium."

The United States Grand Prix further enhances the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's stature as the premier motorsports venue in the world. The Speedway will be the only facility in the world to play host to events in three of the world's major auto racing series -- Formula One (United States Grand Prix), Pep Boys Indy Racing League (Indianapolis 500) and NASCAR Winston Cup (Brickyard 400).

A multimillion-dollar investment in new facilities is underway at the Speedway, including the course in the infield, thirty-six new pitside garages with suites atop them, a new media center and the impressive new Pagoda Control Tower. The circuit will use a portion of the famed Indy oval, including the main straight and Turn One. Additional sections of the new road course are being built in the infield adjacent to Turn Four and Turn Two.

Persons interested in receiving an order form for tickets to the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis may send a postcard with name and address to U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis, P.O. Box 24916, Speedway IN 46224 or call (800) 822-4639. Forms can also be obtained by e-mail by a request to tickets@brickyard.com.