Indy 500 Events Continue this Weekend at IMS

Last Saturday the first events kicked off at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the festivities surrounding the 2011 Indianapolis 500, and this Saturday the action only continues while reaching an even higher gear.

The Indianapolis Star Opening Day  opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday and open until 6 p.m. The main highlight of the day is the Celebration of Automobiles exhibition that will be on display through 3 p.m. and gives you the chance to see extremely rare classics that are sure to have both car enthusiasts and casual onlookers reveling at the sight. You can see a preview of some of the autos that will be on display here.

At 10 a.m., there will be a Q&A session with all-time Indy 500 great Parnelli Jones on the Coca-Cola Stage and that will be followed an autograph session with Jones at 10:40. Another Q&A session, this time with IMS historian Donald Davidson, will begin at 3 p.m. on the same stage and will be proceeded by an autograph session at Plaza Retail Shop No. 13. Other festivities on Saturday include a pace car club lap (11 a.m.), an interview with honorary starter Mayor Greg Ballard (11:50 a.m.) and a musical act on the Coke Stage from 4 p.m. until 5:30.

The first practices for the drivers will run from noon until 1:30, and then again from 4:30-6, for veterans only. Saturday is also the day for rookie orientation, while Sunday marks the first full day of open practices for all participants – with gates also open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Once the cars hit the track, it officially feels like May here in Indy. The sights, the sounds and the ambiance are sure to capture your attention and renew your appreciation for what is known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Don’t miss out on your chance to see all the action for free during the weeks leading up to the race, and if you’re only in town for a short time visiting our fair city, you’ve come at the right time. Head out to IMS and you won’t be disappointed.

If you are still thinking about visiting Indy for the Indy 500, here’s some info on Indianapolis hotels.