IRL, Indy 500: There's Something for Everyone on Family Day at Indianpolis 500
8 May 1999
INDIANAPOLIS - The cars and drivers of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League will capture plenty of attention when practice starts for the Indianapolis 500 on May 15, but the spotlight also will be on younger fans and families during Family Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.All children age 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $5 each for older fans and can be purchased at the gates, which open at 9 a.m.
The activities start for youngsters and their families as soon as they arrive at the gate. The first 5,000 children ages 12 and under through the gates will receive an inflatable Indy Racing car.
Once fans and their families are inside the track, they will be treated to a variety of functions:
.A children's act and shows from noted children's singer Norman Foote will take place throughout the day at Pepsi Park in Indy FanFest, an interactive family entertainment park located in the east parking lot of the Hall of Fame Museum. FanFest is open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
.Eastern Bike Company, a BMX bike group, will perform demonstrations and teach bicycle safety throughout the day at Indy FanFest.
.Warner Brothers cartoon characters will stroll around FanFest and the track, greeting and posing for pictures with young and old fans.
.A launch of colorful hot-air balloons will take place at 6 p.m. - immediately after the end of the day's on-track practice -- in Lot 1 in the infield of the Speedway. A balloon launch also will take place at 6 a.m. at the same spot.
Besides the activities for families, more than 600 volunteers from the 500 Festival will be recognized, and the Festival Princesses will be taken on a ceremonial lap around the historic, 2.5-mile oval.
Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.