Notebook: IndyCar Opener Party and Brian’s Wish Benefit March 29 at IMS

The annual IndyCar season opener party featuring the Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300 live from Homestead-Miami Speedway, and a silent auction to benefit the Brian’s Wish Foundation will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on March 29, 2008. By all accounts, this is a great way to have fun, meet fellow IndyCar fans, and build (even more) excitement for the upcoming 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 in May. The official press release follows with all of the details.

FANS CAN ENJOY INDYCAR OPENER AT INDY 500 PREVIEW PARTY MARCH 29

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, March 6, 2008 – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will welcome fans of the Indianapolis 500 for a viewing party Saturday, March 29 featuring the IndyCar Series season-opening Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300 from Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Doors to the IMS Plaza Pavilion are scheduled to open at 7 p.m., with the ESPN2 broadcast of the race beginning at 8 p.m. Admission to the viewing party is free. Gates to IMS will open at 6:30 p.m., and fans should enter the grounds at Gate 2, the main gate/tunnel entrance off 16th Street, and follow the direction of IMS Safety personnel.

A picnic buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and potato chips will be available. Cost for the buffet is $8.95 for adults and $6.95 for children under 12 years of age. The buffet will be served from 7-9 p.m. A cash bar also will be available.

A silent auction will take place during the evening, with proceeds benefiting Brian’s Wish Foundation. Brian’s Wish aids the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The foundation was named after Brian Hall, a very enthusiastic IndyCar Series fan who succumbed to the disease in May 2002.

Attendees of the viewing party can get ready for the Month of May through the Indy 500 Fan Tour. Fans can test their driving skills in a full-size IndyCar Series simulator, listen to in-car audio, and view Indy 500 collectibles, photos and much more.

In addition to appearances by 500 Festival Princesses, the famous Borg Warner Trophy and an IndyCar Series race car will be on display.

Fans can purchase tickets to the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tickets to the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 27 and the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sunday, Sept. 14 also will be available.