Set for March 7 in Washington

Event venue shifts to U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center

The national celebration of the 90th running of one of America’s most exciting and historic sporting events, the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, will kick off with a special event Tuesday, March 7 with The Smithsonian Associates in Washington.

The event starts at 7 p.m. (ET) at the U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center, a shift in venue from the previously announced Lisner Auditorium. The public can ask questions of some of the Indianapolis 500’s most famous current and former drivers.

An all-star driver lineup includes: Dan Wheldon, defending champion of the Indianapolis 500 and 2005 IRL IndyCar® Series champion; three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford; two-time winner Helio Castroneves; Janet Guthrie, the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500; and the father-and-son racing duo of Michael and Marco Andretti.

Fans also will enjoy many historical Indianapolis 500 film highlights, and Wheldon will be presented with his Indianapolis 500 Champion of Champions Ring from IMS President and Chief Operating Officer Joie Chitwood.

The U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center is located at 701 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Suite 123, in Washington.

WHAT:

90th Indianapolis 500 Kickoff Event

WHO:

Marco Andretti, Indianapolis 500 rookie driver

Michael Andretti, Indianapolis 500 veteran driver

Helio Castroneves, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner

Janet Guthrie, first female Indianapolis 500 driver

Johnny Rutherford, three-time Indianapolis 500 winner

Dan Wheldon, 2005 Indianapolis 500 winner

WHEN:

7 p.m., Tuesday, March 7

WHERE:

U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center,

701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 123, Washington