FORMULA ONE: Mellencamp, Labelle to perform before U.S. Grand Prix
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
September 30, 2001INDIANAPOLIS - World famous recording artists John Mellencamp and Patti Labelle each will take part in an exciting grid presentation during the pre-race ceremony at the SAP United States Grand Prix Formula One race Sept. 30 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Labelle will sing "God Bless America" followed by Mellencamp performing "Peaceful World," the first single off his new "Cuttin' Heads" album. The pre-race festivities, entitled "United We Stand," will honor the international community as well as the United States and its heroes.
Local firefighters will be honored, and the American Cabaret Theatre will sing a patriotic medley. The Indianapolis Children's Choir will sing the National Anthem.
More than 100,000 small American flags supplied by SAP, Bridgestone/Firestone and the Speedway, distributed to fans as they enter the grounds, will enhance the presentation.
In an unprecedented happening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, donations will be accepted at various locations throughout the grounds.
All the money collected will benefit the Red Cross to help the victims of the tragedies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. To kick off the collection effort, SAP, the title sponsor of the event, has donated the first $100,000. The Red Cross is the official charity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
In addition to the public address system's broadcasting of the pre-race ceremonies, WIBC-AM 1070 of Indianapolis also will broadcast the pre-race ceremonies and grid presentation prior to the race. Mellencamp, an Indiana native and recording artist for Columbia Records, has had several top-10 hits, including "Jack and Diane," "Hurts So Good," "Crumblin' Down," "Lonely Ol' Night," "Small Town," "R.O.C.K. in the USA" and "Wild Night." His 1982 album, "American Fool," went to No. 1 on the charts.
Labelle, an MCA recording artist, has had several, hits including, "New Attitude," "Stir It Up," "On My Own" and "Somebody Loves You Baby." The inaugural SAP United States Grand Prix on Sept. 24, 2000 was the largest-attended modern Formula One race in history. Ticket sales thus far guarantee that this year's event will be the largest Formula One crowd of the year.
Text provided by Paul Kelly
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