IndyCar Reaffirms Plans for U.S. 500

IndyCar Reaffirms Plans for U.S. 500
DETROIT (IndyCar - Feb. 23, 1996) At a regularly scheduled meeting in Detroit this afternoon, the IndyCar Board of Directors unanimously reaffirmed that the inaugural U.S. 500 at Michigan International Speedway on May 26, will go on as planned.
This reaffirmation comes on the heels of erroneous reports in Indianapolis today that the event was canceled following recent informal discussions between IndyCar representatives and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway concerning the differences between the organizations.
"There have been some informal discussions with [Indianapolis Motor Speedway President] Tony George," confirmed Andrew Craig, IndyCar president and chief executive officer. "However, we remain fully committed to staging the U.S. 500, a race that will feature the best drivers and cars in a free and open competition."
"While the Board of Directors is pleased that Tony George appears ready to talk about the important issues at hand, we are not prepared to drop our plans, as has been reported, for the U.S. 500 in 1996. We have tried on many occasions over the past 18 months to discuss the issues with Tony and his advisors. These discussions have been both formal and informal in nature, but have been to no avail. While we are happy and ready to immediately enter into discussions about a long-term solution regarding the issues for 1997 and beyond, we are fully prepared to open our season next week in Miami to kick off our 16-race series, including the U.S. 500, as planned."
In other news related to the U.S. 500, ESPN will broadcast live the race¹s qualifying weekend scheduled for May 11-12 at Michigan International Speedway. ESPN will have coverage of the time trials Saturday from 2:30-4 p.m. and Sunday from 4-5 p.m. EST. The cable network also will provide live coverage of the U.S. 500 on May 26 for a total of six hours of event coverage.
To purchase by mail order or request a ticket brochure, write to: U.S. 500 tickets, P.O. Box 500, Brooklyn, MI 49230.
The inaugural U.S. 500, featuring the top stars in the top cars, will boast a field that includes Al Unser Jr., Bobby Rahal, Michael Andretti, Scott Pruett, Emerson Fittipaldi and Paul Tracy.
Source: IndyCar Web Site
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