$100,000 Marlboro Pole Award
Announced for U.S. 500

NAZARETH, Pa. (April 26, 1996) - Speed has its rewards.

Marlboro Racing became the 16th sponsor of the U.S. 500 today with the announcement of the $100,000 Marlboro Pole Award. The unprecedented cash prize, which will be awarded at the inaugural U.S. 500 at Michigan International Speedway, is an extension of the existing Marlboro Pole Award program.

Currently in its fourth season, the Marlboro Pole Award traditionally awards $10,000 to the pole winner of each IndyCar event with a $15,000 roll over amount available to the driver winning a race from the pole. Each pole winner this season also has the opportunity to win a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 420 Sport, presented at the final race in Monterey, Sept. 8. The Marlboro Pole Award will offer the U.S. 500 pole qualifier 1.)$100,000 cash, 2.) an opportunity to add the roll over bonus with a race victory, and 3.) a chance to win the new Mercedes-Benz. To date, the Marlboro Pole Award program has awarded more than $1.3 million in prize money.

"We are thrilled to have Marlboro join IndyCar in support of the inaugural U.S. 500," said event general manager Rena Shanaman. "Marlboro has been a primary sponsor of the series for more than 10 seasons and is a key player in creating a new Memorial Day tradition."

Pole position honors for the U.S. 500 will be determined Saturday, May 11, when all entrants have the opportunity to record two qualifying laps on the 2-mile superspeedway. The fastest of those two laps will determine each driver's qualifying speed. Last year's Marlboro 500 Pole winner, Parker Johnstone, circled the oval with a one-lap average speed of 230.458 mph.

"Michigan International Speedway is the fastest track in the world and Marlboro is proud to support the fastest driver in qualifying for the U.S. 500," said Ina Broeman, Director, Event Marketing, for Philip Morris, USA. "The Marlboro Pole Award will certainly add a new dimension of excitement to pole qualifying. We are looking forward to the inaugural race next month."

The MIS track record is held by Mario Andretti, who captured a record 66th career pole with a qualifying speed of 234.275 mph in 1993. It remains the fastest qualifying lap ever recorded in IndyCar history.

Source: IndyCar Website

Used by permission