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IMS Mails Out Entry Invitations

18 February 1999

 

For Immediate Release

ENTRY INVITATIONS MAILED FOR 83RD INDIANAPOLIS 500

	INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 17, 1999 - The first step toward the green flag for the 
83rd Indianapolis 500 took place Feb. 16, as entry invitations were mailed 
to race teams eligible to enter and compete in the "Greatest Spectacle in 
Racing" on May 30 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
	The entry deadline is midnight April 9. All entrants will compete for one 
of the 33 starting spots in the world's richest and most prestigious auto 
race.
	Expected entrants include 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever Jr. 
and 1998 Pep Boys Indy Racing League champion Kenny Brack, seeking his 
first Indy victory. Cheever leads the Pep Boys Indy Racing League point 
standings after winning the season opener Jan. 24 at Orlando, Fla.
	Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Arie Luyendyk also is a highly 
anticipated entrant. Luyendyk will make his open-wheel driving farewell at 
this year's Indy 500, capping a remarkable career of speed at the 
Brickyard. Luyendyk won the race in 1990 and 1997. He holds numerous 
records at the Speedway, including fastest qualifying lap, fastest four-lap 
qualifying speed and fastest race speed.
	Other anticipated entries include 1996 Indy 500 champion Buddy Lazier, 
1998 Bank One Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Steve Knapp, 1998 Sprint 
PCS Pep Boys Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year Robby Unser, and 1996 
Indy Racing League co-champions Buzz Calkins and Scott Sharp. Lazier 
finished runner-up to Cheever in last year's Indy 500.
	Cheever, one of two owner-drivers in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, 
earned $1,433,000 last year from a record $8,722,150 in prizes and posted 
awards.
	Teams entered in the 83rd Indianapolis 500 can participate in an Open Test 
from April 8-11 at the Speedway. Rookies will participate in the Rookie 
Orientation Program on April 8-9, with veterans testing April 10-11. 
Firestone and Goodyear also will conduct a private tire test April 12.
	Opening day for this year's Indianapolis 500 is May 15. Pole Day is May 
22, with Bubble Day May 23. Carburetion Day is May 27.
The 83rd Indianapolis 500, May 30, will be broadcast live by ABC Sports and 
the IMS Radio Network. Reserved seating for the race is sold out. General 
admission tickets for practice, qualifications and race day can be 
purchased in advance by calling (317) 484-6700.

?IMS99-02?