IRP Oval Featured on new NASCAR Busch Series Computer Game
18 September 1997
IRP OVAL TO BE FEATURED ON NEW NASCAR BUSCH SERIES COMPUTER GAME FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INDIANAPOLIS (September 18, 1997) -- Indianapolis Raceway Park's lightning-fast .686-mile oval is recognized by drivers, the media and fans as one of America's most challenging short tracks, and thanks to a new video game to be released next month, fans will have the opportunity to go head-to-head with the IRP oval on their home computer. Papyrus Design Group, a division of Sierra On-Line, Inc., announced recently that it will release a new NASCAR computer game, the NASCAR Grand National Series Expansion Pack, on Monday, October 20. IRP will be one of five short tracks featured on the game, which includes the cars and drivers who compete in IRP's annual Kroger NASCAR 200 Busch Series Grand National Division race. Players will race against drivers such as defending Kroger NASCAR 200 champion Randy LaJoie, Todd Bodine and 1997 NASCAR Busch Series (NBS) rookie standout Steve Park. Papyrus design engineers spent several days at the IRP oval during the 1997 season taking careful measurements, video and photographs to ensure the game conveys the greatest accuracy and realism possible. "Because IRP has been such an important part of the history of the NASCAR Busch Series, Papyrus is proud to include the track in the Expansion Pack," said Papyrus Associate Producer Tom Faiano. "We consider IRP to be very important to the spirit of the product." The NBS has played an important role in IRP's oval schedule every year since 1982 when the inaugural Kroger NASCAR 200 took place. IRP, Kroger and NASCAR celebrated their sixteenth year as partners in NBS racing in 1997, and Kroger's sponsorship of the event is the longest-running sponsorship for any race currently on the NBS schedule. Over 37,000 people attended the 1997 Kroger NASCAR 200, the largest crowd ever to attend an IRP oval event. "Many drivers and motorsports professionals will tell you that if you can be competitive on the IRP oval, you can be competitive anywhere," said NHRA Vice President and IRP General Manager Mike Lewis. "The IRP oval has for over 35 years challenged many of the best drivers in the world, and the Grand National Series Expansion Pack will show how intimidating IRP can be." The NASCAR Grand National Series Expansion Pack's retail cost is estimated at $49.95 and will be available at computer stores everywhere or by calling Sierra On-Line at (800) 757-7707. Tracks featured on the game in addition to IRP include Texas Motor Speedway, California Speedway, Nashville Speedway USA, The Milwaukee Mile, and seven others. -- 30 -- CONTACT: Eric Powell (317) 387-7342 / ericpowe@ind.cioe.com or Erica Kohnke (Papyrus) (617) 528-1104 / kohnke@papy.com
