By J Douglas Boles
INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, March 29, 2011 – With just 61 days until the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway accepted March 29 its first entry for the race, from KV Racing Technology-SH Racing.
Veteran Tomas Scheckter was named as the team’s the driver for the race Sunday, May 29 at IMS. He will drive the No. 07 Team REDLINE Xtreme Dallara/Honda/Firestone.
“I am excited to be competing with this team for my 10th Indianapolis 500,” said Scheckter, a South African native who resides in Indianapolis. “The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and from my first time here in 2002, I have wanted to win this race. I believe that this organization will provide me with a great opportunity to reach that goal.”
Scheckter, the 2002 Indianapolis 500 Chase co-Rookie of the Year, has competed in nine Indianapolis 500’s. He has led in three races for a total of 153 laps, with a best finish of fourth in 2003. His best start was 10th in 2002, 2004 and 2007.
“I’m happy to accept this first entry for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 from KV Racing Technology-SH Racing,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “We expect the competition level to be especially intense throughout the Month of May as teams and drivers aim for victory in such a historic race, which will provide great excitement and drama for our fans. I can’t wait for Opening Day on Saturday, May 14.”
SH Racing unveiled its Team REDLINE Xtreme livery and announced its partnership with KV Racing Technology last October. James “Sulli” Sullivan is the SH Racing team principal, with T.J. Humphreys his partner.
The entry deadline for “The Most Important Race in History” is Wednesday, April 6.
***
2011 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500, “The Most Important Race in History,” on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.
Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2011 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.