2011 Indianapolis 500 ticket features Franchitti, 100th Anniversary

   INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, March 9, 2011 - There's plenty to excite fans about the Indianapolis 500 this May.

The 100^th Anniversary of the race. Popular annual fan favorites such as the Allison Transmission Centennial Era Balloon Festival, Pole Day, Bump Day and Miller Lite Carb Day. Two new events, Emerging Tech Day and the Celebration of Automobiles. The field of 33 starters taking the green flag. And so much more.

And don't forget the most direct sign that May is just around the corner: The 2011 Indianapolis 500 ticket.

The 2011 ticket features Dario Franchitti celebrating in Victory Lane last May after earning his second victory in the world's most prestigious auto race. Franchitti will attempt Sunday, May 29 to become just the 10^th driver to win the race at least three times.

Other design elements include the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 logo, the IMS Centennial Era logo and other touches that draw from the extensive history of Speedway tickets.

IMS Creative Services Designer Brad Walters designed the 2011 ticket, inspired by the 1937 event ticket.

"In capping off our three-year Centennial Era celebration, we felt it was important for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 tickets to have a cohesive look and follow the same styling," Walters said. "We continue to pay homage to our rich graphic history by repurposing past ticket elements. With the 2011 ticket, we've pulled heavily from the 1937 Race Day ticket for reference while incorporating the colors and feel of our 100^th Anniversary event logo."

Opening Day for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Saturday, May 14.