IMS Museum Exhibit Celebrates 50 Years of 500 Festival Excitement

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INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007 – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is helping the 500 Festival celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007 with an exhibit commemorating five decades of Festival pageantry.

The 500 Festival 50th Anniversary Exhibit located in the Hall of Fame Museum, which debuted at a ceremony Thursday, Jan. 11, celebrates the 500 Festival's commitment to "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" since 1957, and the many unforgettable moments and first-class events the not-for-profit entity has organized to generate excitement and community spirit throughout the month of May.

The exhibit features 500 Festival photos and stories with a historic look back at the Festival's first 50 years. It also will include one of the Indianapolis 500's landmark Official Pace Cars: the 1961 Ford Thunderbird in gold paint, celebrating the race's 50th year, and the dress worn by the 1969 Festival Queen.

Other elements may be added to the exhibit in the future.

"For 50 years the mission of the 500 Festival has remained consistent; produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests," said Kirk Hendrix, 500 Festival president and CEO.

"The 50th Anniversary Exhibit reflects how much the 500 Festival has and continues to shape and enhance the image of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana by showcasing its cultural, educational and social benefits with the help of nearly 7,000 volunteers through events and programs."

The exhibit was created by Rowland Design and will remain in the Hall of Fame Museum through Labor Day. The Museum is located in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is accessible via the Speedway's Gate 2, the main gate/tunnel off 16th Street.

The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 50 years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation.

In 2006, nearly 425,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May, including one of the nation's largest half-marathons, the Education Program for Indiana's fourth-grade students, the state's largest festival for kids and one of the nation's premier parades.

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2007 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 91st Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 27, 2007.

Tickets can be purchased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by phone or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office. The IMS Ticket Office can be contacted at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally. Ticket Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Parking and camping permits for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" also can be purchased online, by phone or at the Ticket Office.