Indy FanFest to Open May 9, 1997
05/06/97
INDY FANFEST OPENS MAY 9 AT IMS For Immediate Release INDIANAPOLIS, May 5, 1997 -- Construction for Indy FanFest, the free, family oriented racing theme park at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is almost complete in preparation for the May 9 opening date. FanFest will occupy more than 200,000 square feet of space next to the Hall of Fame Museum in the legendary track's infield and will showcase twelve major attractions. The Indy FanFest line-up features many all-new, action-packed exhibits which include the Aurora Start Your Engines exhibit where a collection of Oldsmobile automobiles is showcased, including a Shelby Series 1 car, a production model Aurora, and an Aurora-powered Indy Racing League car hanging from the ceiling. Another new exhibit is the Infiniti Heritage Quiz Show, where FanFest guests can see the evolution of the Indianapolis 500 race engine and the heritage of Nissan/Infiniti's automobiles as they compete to test their racing knowledge. Audience participation and live demonstrations highlight many of the FanFest attractions, including the inaugural FirstPlus Call the Race, where fans can broadcast the play-by-play of one of the historic Indianapolis 500's race endings and take home their own video tape of the experience. Visitors can also become a Speedway "winner" in the MBNA Lap Leader Indy 500 video game as they compete against other FanFest racers. Gasoline Alley, located in the heart of FanFest, will also feature new exhibits this year by Aurora, Chevrolet, Monsoon, ABC Interactive, Indy 200 at Walt Disney World, Comfort Classic at the Brickyard and the Indy Racing League. Gasoline Alley allows visitors to interact with the various technologies relevant to racing and to learn about the Indy Racing League. The many other FanFest attractions include perennial favorites such as the Firestone Legendary Moments Theater, Goodyear Victory Lane, Kodak Mini Indy, Pennzoil Personalized Trading Cards, and FanFest Marketplace. Indy FanFest will also feature McDonald's Brickyard Bistro with an exclusive selection of specialty foods, and FanFest Park, where continuous live entertainment will occur. Indianapolis 500 drivers are also scheduled to appear at FanFest for autograph sessions throughout the month of May. Volunteers are still needed to help staff Indy FanFest throughout its 12-day run. To apply, interested individuals and groups may contact the 500 Festival's Volunteer Hotline at 317/237-3414. FanFest is open to the public May 9-12 (first weekend of qualifying), May 16-18 (second weekend of qualifying), and May 21-25 (Community Day through Race Day). Admission to Indy FanFest is free with admission to the Speedway grounds. Detailed information follows. 1997 INDY FANFEST ATTRACTIONS Starting Grid: Located inside both entrances to the theme park -- just across FanFest's "yard of bricks" volunteers provide information and answer questions to help guests get "on track" and begin their visit to FanFest. Aurora Start Your Engines: A showcase of Oldsmobile automobiles including a Shelby Series 1, a production Aurora, and an Aurora-powered Indy Racing League car hanging from the ceiling. Guests can also compete in a Fun Facts contest at the exhibit during their visit. FanFest Marketplace: The Marketplace features the IMS Retail Store and Meijer store, where fans can purchase official IRL apparel and collectibles. Pennzoil Personalized Trading Cards: Fans create their own official Indy FanFest photo trading card while they pose as an Indy 500 driver. MBNA Lap Leader: Fans can become an Indianapolis Motor Speedway "lap leader" as they drive the Indy 500 video game against other FanFest guests. McDonald's Brickyard Bistro: FanFest presents an exclusive collection of specialty foods with an outdoor seating area that will keep visitors close to all the FanFest activities. Firestone Legendary Moments Theater: Visitors can relive great moments in Indianapolis 500 history through this magnificent 10-minute film in a 200 seat, air conditioned theater. Gasoline Alley: Featuring Aurora, Chevrolet, Monsoon, ABC Interactive, Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway, Comfort Classic at the Brickyard and the Indy Racing League, this area allows visitors to interact with various technologies relevant to racing and to learn about the Indy Racing League. Infiniti Heritage Quiz Show: Fans can see the evolution of the Indianapolis 500 race engine and the heritage of Nissan/Infiniti's automobiles. Guests can compete in a Quiz Show to test their racing knowledge. Kodak Mini Indy: Kids can say that they raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway...on this miniature version of the famed 2.5 mile oval. In pedal-powered Indy cars, kids can imitate their favorite racers as an announcer calls the competition and parents cheer them on from the grandstands. After the race, children can stop at Mini Indy's "victory lane" to celebrate. Goodyear Victory Lane: Fans can imagine just having won the Indy 500 as they step into this live re-enactment of the thrill of Victory Circle, complete with a trophy, a bottle of milk, the cheers of fans, officials, the media and the race queen. The moment is captured in a photo for participants to keep. FirstPlus Call the Race: Broadcast the play-by-play of one of the Indy 500's historic endings and take home your own video tape. FanFest Park: Musicians, singers, bands and other live performers entertain fans in this park designed to evoke memories of Memorial Days gone by, with picnic-style food and a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. Firestone Indy FanFest Sweepstakes: Fans can register to win a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, or a trip for two to the 1998 Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway including two tickets to the race, round-trip coach air transportation for two, and three-night accommodations. Ten sets of Firestone tires along with jackets and hats will also be awarded to lucky prize winners. Other Items of Note: Indy FanFest is a family orientated, action-packed, auto racing theme park designed so each member of your crew can experience the excitement of the Indianapolis 500. The FanFest theme park's design is made to resemble a race track, complete with retaining walls, catch fences and Indy-style scoring pylon. Large floor-to ceiling photographic murals capture moments from the "500" -- such as Victory Circle, stands full of fans, the closest finish in history and the old Pagoda -- to create Indy atmosphere both inside and outside the attractions. Special Indy 500 driver and personality autograph sessions will be scheduled throughout the FanFest 12-day run. WIBC will broadcast live from inside FanFest Park and familiar radio voices will interview Indy 500 personalities and perform their shows live. 1997 INDY FANFEST FACT SHEET What is Indy FanFest? A free, fun-filled family oriented, action-packed, auto racing theme park and entertainment experience that is designed so each member of your crew can experience the excitement of the Indianapolis 500. Where is Indy FanFest? FanFest occupies more than 200,000 square feet in the east parking lot of the Hall of Fame Museum, located in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. When is Indy FanFest? First Qualifying Weekend Friday, May 9 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, May 10 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pole Day Sunday, May 11 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. 2nd Day of Qualifications Monday, May 12 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. School Day (class field trips) Second Qualifying Weekend Friday, May 16 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 3rd Day of Qualifications Sunday, May 18 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Bump Day Race Week Wednesday, May 21 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 pm. Community Day Thursday, May 22 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Carburetion Day Friday, May 23 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 am. Race Day What is the Cost of Admission? Free with general admission to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Note: Admission to the Hall of Fame Museum is free on school day for students. No gate admission to the IMS grounds is charged on May 23 and 24. Does Indy FanFest need Volunteers? Volunteer opportunities are still available in various areas of Indy FanFest. Those interested in being hosts and hostesses for FanFest activities including greeting visitors, presenting attractions and interacting with the crowd should contact the 500 Festival's Volunteer Hotline at 317/237-3414.=20 Who created Indy FanFest? Indy FanFest is produced by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation with design and logistical assistance from event planning and theatrical production specialists. Volunteer staffing is provided by the 500 Festival and Indiana Sports Corporation.