Road to Indy program restructured

The Indy Racing League's "Road to Indy" Program returns for USAC participants in 2003, but the format from previous years has been restructured.

The IRL "Road to Indy" will sponsor the entire "fast qualifier" program for USAC's Silver Crown, National and Western Sprint Car and National and Western Midget Car Series. The program will also offer a year-end bonus for championship car entrants for each of these series.

"This new program format will offer a higher level of visibility for IRL and USAC, while providing a platform to enhance the relationship between the IRL and USAC's drivers and teams through cooperative marketing efforts from all entities.

"The Indy Racing League and USAC will continue to identify initiatives that will generate exposure for all those involved in the sport and to elevate the awareness of USAC and Indy Racing open-wheel competition throughout the U.S.," said USAC Director of Sales/Marketing Steve Farmer.

"The Indy Racing League has long been a supporter of professional short-track racing and we appreciate that they recognize its importance," added USAC President/CEO Rollie Helmling. Many of the stars of USAC today have the potential to be the stars of the Indy Racing League Series in the future and we are glad that they encourage this by the Road to Indy program. The Road to Indy program this year recognizes the accomplishments of our top performing drivers and encourages them to really showcase their talents."

"The 'Road to Indy' program is further recognition that USAC and its stars continue to be a natural fit toward growing the sport of Indy Racing," said Bill Long, Vice President, Marketing. "We will use this platform to expose more and more fans to the brand of Indy Racing League and USAC racing excitement during 2003."

-USAC--