Jaguar Prepares for Indianapolis Grand Prix
15 September 2000
Jaguar Prepares for Indianapolis Grand Prix - New York City to See the Jaguar Racing Team First in United StatesNEW YORK, Sept. 15 Formula One racing is returning to the United States after an absence of almost 10 years. Using a specially developed Formula One course at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit in Indianapolis, IN., the U.S. Grand Prix weekend will start on Sept. 22 culminating with the 73 lap-race on Sept. 24. Jaguar will be represented at the U.S. Grand Prix by drivers Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert, driving the Jaguar R1. "As Jaguar broadens its appeal to a wider and more diverse demographic, we see Formula One as a vital element in our communications to the US consumer," commented Mike O'Driscoll, president of Jaguar North America. "Despite the long absence from the US racing scene, we believe that Formula One has a terrific future in this country. Our customers, dealers and employees are all involved in numerous activities leading up to the race weekend in Indianapolis", continued O'Driscoll. In addition to the events surrounding the race weekend at Indianapolis, Jaguar is taking a lead role in showcasing the dynamic appeal of Formula One to the U.S. public. Instead of traveling direct to Indianapolis for the race, the Jaguar Racing team is first taking Formula One to New York City. Driver Eddie Irvine will make his first appearance on a major U.S. talk show by appearing on the David Letterman Show on CBS on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Eddie will then join fellow driver Johnny Herbert for an extensive schedule of events on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 18 - 19. On Monday evening, they will be meeting race fans at Macy's department store followed by a reception at the Jaguar Manhattan dealership. On Tuesday morning, both drivers will be taking part in the first 'live-drive' of the Jaguar R1 in the U.S. as part of a promotional film being shot in Times Square, Manhattan. Eddie Irvine will drive head-to-head a race-prepared R1 while teammate Johnny Herbert drives a N.Y. taxicab down Broadway. "We have both driven some challenging roads in our race careers, but Times Square could be the toughest yet!" commented Eddie Irvine. "It's a great idea to film the car on the streets of New York and should be a very effective way of helping to promote the excitement of the U.S. Grand Prix", continued Irvine. After the challenges of Times Square, both drivers will switch race suits for high fashion at the kick-off party for the Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Targets Breast Cancer shopping weekend. This campaign will benefit the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Fund, as well as local and national breast cancer charities. Jaguar is showing its support with both event sponsorship and the donation of a new S-TYPE sedan. Full details on the Jaguar Racing team and its program for New York and Indianapolis can be found by accessing the Jaguar Racing website at http://www.jaguar-racing.com.