Rookie Orientation Program is first step to qualifying for '500'

At least seven drivers with aspirations of competing in the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 begin their journey May 12 with the mandatory Rookie Orientation Program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (ET) session is open to spectators free of charge in the South Terrace Grandstands. Spectators should enter through Gate 2 on 16th Street. Opening Day is May 14, with all-car practice from noon-6 p.m. (ET).

Tracy returns to Dreyer & Reinbold for Indy 500 with WIX Filters

Tracy will pair with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the fourth time to compete in the Indianapolis 500 on May 29 in a car with primary sponsorship from WIX Filters.

WIX, whose highly-engineered filtration products have become a staple in auto racing around the country, also will be an associate partner on the No. 22 car of Justin Wilson for the 2011 season.

Foyt Replaces Trump as Indy 500 Pace Car Driver

A.J. Foyt, the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, will drive the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Pace Car at the 100th Anniversary race Sunday, May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Foyt’s first Indianapolis victory, in 1961. Foyt also won as a driver in 1964, 1967 and 1977 and as a team owner in 1999 with Kenny Brack driving.

Fans Can Print Indy 500 Tickets at Home

Indianapolis 500 fans can enjoy even more convenience by ordering their tickets online for Miller Lite Carb Day or Race Day and immediately printing them, the first time print-at-home tickets have been offered in the event’s history.

The print-at-home feature can be used for general admission tickets for Miller Lite Carb Day on Friday, May 27 and for reserved and general admission tickets for Race Day on Sunday, May 29. All tickets must be ordered online at www.imstix.com.

Fans using print-at-home tickets must enter IMS at Gates 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 or 10.

Print-at-home tickets are part of the enhanced fan experience for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. Other new features include free general admission for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult purchasing a general admission ticket and a Junior Garage Credential granting Gasoline Alley access for fans age 9-17 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

These new attractions join traditional fan enhancements such as Bronze Badge Gasoline Alley access and the ability to bring food and refreshments to the track in personal coolers.

Legendary Announcer, Tom Carnegie to be Honored May 21st

Tom Carnegie’s legendary voice helped to elevate the tension, drama and excitement of Indy 500 qualifying for 61 years, so it’s only fitting that Pole Day for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 will be known as “Tom Carnegie Day” on Saturday, May 21 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Carnegie, who died Feb. 11 at age 91, served as the Public Address announcer at the Speedway from 1946-2006. He called 61 Indianapolis 500’s, 12 Brickyard 400’s and six United States Grand Prix races for millions of fans at IMS. During “Tom Carnegie Day,” the new Public Address stand at IMS will be named in Carnegie’s honor and his unmistakable, booming voice will be heard at various times over the Public Address system.

In addition, highlights of Carnegie’s remarkable career will appear on the Speedway video boards. Carnegie’s incredible baritone coined and developed such iconic phrases as, “AND HEEEEEEE’S ON IT!” “HEEEEEERE’S THE TIME AND SPEED REPORT!” and the classic “AAAAAAND, IT’S A NEEEEEW TRACK RECORD!” He retired from announcing at the Speedway in June 2006 but continued to visit the track through 2010 as one of the most beloved figures in Speedway history.

The activities honoring Carnegie are the highlight of a full day of fan-friendly fun at IMS celebrating the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. Gate admission is $15, with kids 12 and under free.

Mari Hulman George and AJ Foyt to Place Golden Brick

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chairman of the Board Mari Hulman George and legendary four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt will place a commemorative “golden” brick into the famous Yard of Bricks on Tuesday, May 24 at IMS.