FORMULA 1: Seats still availalbe for United States Grand Prix

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

March 13, 2001

Ticket renewals exceed expectations; limited number of seats on sale

INDIANAPOLIS-- Tickets for the second SAP United States Grand Prix are available for a variety of quality seats at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

With seven months to go before the race, ticket renewals have “been beyond expectations,” said Peggy Swalls, who directs ticket sales for the Speedway. She said renewals by American ticket holders have been especially high, and ticket renewals from international attendees of the inaugural race have been strong.

“We expected a strong inaugural year, but it was better than anticipated,” Swalls said. “Unfortunately, a lot of potential fans have assumed that no tickets would be available for the second year, but there are quality seats available.

“We are in a position to make a limited number of tickets in a variety of locations available for the SAP United States Grand Prix. International demand for the inaugural race was very strong, and at this point we expect fewer international visitors.”

A major change for the 2001 event is the addition of five Daktronics giant television screens that will be mounted on the main straightaway, opposite the Tower Terrace seating.

“Now, the majority of our seat holders will have a complete view of the circuit for the first time,” Swalls said.

The SAP United States Grand Prix is the largest-attended race on the Formula One circuit and set a modern-day attendance record for the series in 2000. Estimated attendance was more than 200,000. Sales so far guarantee that the Indianapolis event will continue to be the largest-attended Formula One race in 2001.

Michael Schumacher won the inaugural Indianapolis race and eventually captured the FIA Formula One World Championship for his Ferrari team. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway won the Formula One Constructors Association Award, presented to the best promoter and event organizer in Formula One each year at the annual FIA awards ceremony in Monaco.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway plays host to the three largest-attended sporting events in the world: The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, the Brickyard 400 and the SAP United States Grand Prix. Tickets are sold out for the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

SAP United States Grand Prix tickets may be purchased by calling (800) 822-4639 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. Ticket order forms are available on the Web at www.usgpindy.com or by writing to USGP Tickets, P.O. Box 24915, Speedway, IN 46224.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.