ESPN CLASSIC TO SHOW 2006 INDIANAPOLIS 500 AS ‘INSTANT CLASSIC’  - TODAY

The 90th Indianapolis 500, with its thrilling finish between Sam Hornish Jr. and Marco Andretti, was called one of the classic editions of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” by fans and media.

Add ESPN Classic to that list, too.

ESPN Classic will televise the race as an “Instant Classic” from 9-11 p.m. (ET) Friday, June 2. The broadcast will feature much of the green-flag action, including the spellbinding final eight laps in which the lead changed hands between four drivers, with Hornish driving past Chase Rookie of the Year Andretti on the front straightaway to win by just .0635 of a second. It was the second-closest finish in the history of the race and the first time that the lead changed on the final lap.

It’s the second consecutive year that the Indianapolis 500 has earned “Instant Classic” status. The 2005 race, featuring a late-race duel between winner Dan Wheldon and Chase Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick, also received the same accolade.

ESPN Classic, which reaches more than 56 million homes, is the only sports-themed entertainment network. It combines an unmatched library of sports’ greatest moments with original and live programming to tell today’s stories with an historical perspective.

The 91st Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, 2007.

Fans are encouraged to submit their ticket renewals, upgrades and orders for the race to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as soon as possible. The most convenient, fastest method is online at indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

The deadline for renewals, which give fans the opportunity to guarantee the same seating assignment, is Monday, June 12. Existing ticket customers who renew their seats online before June 12 will receive a free collector’s edition DVD of highlights from the 90th Indianapolis 500, including the dramatic late-race competition between Michael Andretti, Marco Andretti and Hornish.