Indy to 'celebrate the spectacle' in 2006.

While worries over securing a full 33-car starting field may occupy the minds of many a race fan during the build-up to the traditional 'Month of May,' Indianapolis Motor Speedway is intent on celebrating the spectacle of one of the greatest races in the world during this, its 90th year.

With a number of Indianapolis community based events set for the entire month of May, IMS will be looking to emphasise the tradition and excitement of an event that has spanned generations.

From marching bands, "Back Home Again in Indiana," the fly-over during pre-race ceremonies, the Mini-Marathon and the Parade to name a few, the month is filled with energy and celebration from the command to start engines, followed by the balloon launch over the infield, from the winners milk to the Borg Warner Trophy and the traditional yard of bricks.

These traditions, and many others, are captured in the "Celebrate the Spectacle" theme for the month-long celebration leading up to the 90th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday May 28th 2006.

The theme will be prominent in local and national Indianapolis 500 advertising and promotional materials and 500 Festival event materials. It also will be an important part of the many events that take place in Indianapolis during the month of May.

Those events include the traditional start to month of May activities, the 30th Running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on Saturday May 6th and also include American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day on Wednesday May 24th at IMS and the IPL 500 Festival Parade on Saturday May 27th, to name a few. Track activity opens Sunday May 7th.

"The Indianapolis 500 is truly 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,' and it's only fitting that we 'Celebrate the Spectacle' during the 90th running of the event and all of the great events that lead up to Race Day," says Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. "The tradition and excitement of the '500' is known and revered worldwide, and we are eager for another great month of May filled with special events and great racing."

Speedway and 500 Festival officials created the theme based on history, tradition and excitement of the Indianapolis 500 and all of its related activities during the month. The Indianapolis 500 has focused the attention of America and the world on Indianapolis every May since Ray Harroun won the inaugural "500" in 1911.

"The 500 Festival continues to be an integral part of the Indianapolis civic fabric, stretching far beyond our city's borders," said Al Wurster, chairman, 500 Festival Board of Directors. "With annual participation of more than 425,000 people and 7,000 volunteers who make it happen, it has become one of the largest festivals in the nation."

Said Kirk Hendrix, president and chief executive officer, 500 Festival: "Celebrate the Spectacle is testament to the partnerships that exist between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500 Festival. So much energy and enthusiasm stirs in the city during the month of May."

Special artwork to be used with the "Celebrate the Spectacle" theme was unveiled during the announcement. A variety of classic racecars from the entire history of the Indianapolis 500 were on display at the Hall of Fame Museum, where the announcement took place.

2005 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was among the special guests at the theme presentation. The sculpted image of Wheldon among all of the race's winners on the Borg-Warner Trophy was unveiled during the festivities.

Wheldon, his winning car and the Borg-Warner Trophy on the Yard of Bricks also are featured on the 2006 Indianapolis 500 ticket design, which also was revealed during the ceremony.