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Indy Celebration of Automobiles 2012 Information

Indianapolis 500 Celebration of AutomobilesThe 2nd annual Celebration of Automobiles, scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will feature an expanded lineup of events that continues to pay tribute to the heritage of automotive development at the track for more than 100 years.

A vintage and historic car show featuring cars from 1920-70 once again will be the focal point of the 2012 Celebration of Automobiles. The new addition is an Automobile Festival, featuring hundreds of current and late model vehicles, and displays from aftermarket accessory and automotive product companies.

“It’s a great thrill for everyone at IMS to welcome back an expanded Celebration of Automobiles,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “Last year’s inaugural event during the 100th Indianapolis 500 was such a rousing success with car owners and enthusiasts that we wanted to grow this event into another wonderful annual tradition of the Month of May at the Speedway.”

The Celebration of Automobiles takes place from 9am – 6pm on Opening Day for the 96th Indianapolis 500. All activities are included in public gate admission of $10, with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The 2012 Vintage and Historic Car Show will feature 200 vehicles from 1920-70 produced by manufacturers participating in the Indianapolis 500 during that era and other manufacturers. Vehicles on display around the Pagoda Plaza area will include winners from prestigious Concours competitions at Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. Special tribute will be paid to passenger cars from Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus, the three engine manufacturers participating in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 starting in 2012.

A panel of judges, including classic/vintage car experts, past Indianapolis 500 winners and other auto racing legends, will evaluate each car in an automotive beauty competition. Awards in various categories will be presented at a gala dinner Saturday evening, open to participants and a select number of public enthusiasts. Legendary Indianapolis 500 team owner Roger Penske will serve as the honorary head judge and also be a special guest at the awards gala.

Winning cars and other vehicles of distinction will be displayed and take a special lap of honor around the IMS oval Sunday, May 13, 2012.

The new Automobile Festival segment of the Celebration of Automobiles will feature hundreds of current and late model vehicles on display in manufacturer- and model-specific groups inside Turn 4 of the famous IMS oval. Many automotive aftermarket and accessory companies also will display their products at the Festival, creating an incredible corral of activity for car buffs.

For more information, visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com/celebrationofautomobiles.

[Source: IMS; photo credit: Ron McQueeney]