Wednesday, August 23, 2000
IRL courts fans for Sunday race
50,000 expected at Ky. Speedway
By Tom Groeschen
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Sarah Fisher throws out first pitch at Reds game.
(AP photo)
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The Indy Racing League is everywhere in Greater Cincinnati this week. Or so it seems. The IRL races at Kentucky Speedway on Sunday, with the Belterra Resort Indy 300 (2:30 p.m., ESPN.) To promote the race, IRL drivers have fanned out across the area.
“We'll have 50,000-plus on Sunday, and the IRL is ecstatic about that,” said Mark Cassis, Kentucky Speedway general manager.
IRL drivers have appeared at Kings Island, auto dealerships and a Reds game, where Sarah Fisher threw out the first pitch Tuesday night. Today, Al Unser Jr. and Greg Ray will sign autographs from noon to 1p.m. on Fountain Square.
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SCHEDULE
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TODAY
Gates closed; IRL drivers Al Unser and Greg Ray meet public on Fountain Square downtown
THURSDAY
Gates closed
• 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: ARCA practice
• 3 p.m.: ARCA first-round qualifying
FRIDAY
(Tickets $10)
Gates open at noon
• 11:15 a.m.-5 p.m.: IRL and ARCA practices
SATURDAY
(Tickets $30)
Gates open at 9 a.m.
• 9:30 a.m.: IRL practice
• 12:15 p.m.: IRL pole qualifying
• 2:30 p.m.: ARCA Blue Grass Quality Meats 200
SUNDAY
(Tickets $30, $40 and $50)
Gates open at 8 a.m.
• 2:30 p.m.: IRL Belterra Resort Indy 300
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Sunday, Pete Rose will sign autographs at the speedway from 10:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. Autographs are free with a grandstand ticket plus a $10 garage pass.
“We're trying everything we can to get awareness for this event,” Cassis said. “When people come out, I think they'll be hooked.”
The IRL usually does not draw well outside its Indianapolis 500 and Texas Motor Speedway events. But in Greater Cincinnati, with a large open-wheel fan base because of its proximity to Indianapolis, the race has been an easier sell.
Cassis said 30,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's supporting event, the ARCA Blue Grass Quality Meats 200 stock-car race.
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