A calendar full of cultural, social and sporting events will fill Indianapolis' sidewalks and streets June 14-20, creating "A Grand Week in Indy," culminating with the fifth running of the United States Grand Prix Formula One race June 20 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The week will be dedicated to cars, concerts and causes as Indianapolis revs its cultural engine for residents and visitors of all ages and for racing fans from all around the world during "Grand Week" festivities.
"Grand Week" information is available at indy.org/usgp, the official Web site of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. Additional USGP event information is available in the United States Grand Prix section of indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
The United States Grand Prix Fan Guide, which lists many of the "Grand Week" activities with locations and times, will be available beginning June 14 at a number of locations around the Indianapolis area, including the Indianapolis International Airport; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's ticket office and Hall of Fame Museum; local Marsh Supermarkets and Firestone tire retail stores; and hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and various other locations.
June 14 is also Flag Day in the United States, so the public is invited to a "Grand Prix-View" as Indianapolis gives a patriotic welcome to the world at 11:30 a.m. (EST, local time) on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. Mayor Bart Peterson and city leaders will kick off the "Grand Week in Indy" with live music, classic cars and lunch.
Core events scheduled during "Grand Week" include:
*United States Grand Prix Pit Walkabout on June 17 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. USGP Race Day ticket holders can walk the pits and stand adjacent to the open garages, providing a clear view of the exotic Formula One cars, high-tech equipment and skilled personnel of all 10 Formula One teams from 8 a.m.-noon.
For USGP ticket information, log on to indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
*Indy Jazz Fest, June 18-20, a family-oriented, three-day, multi-stage event featuring the best in local and national jazz, blues, roots, rhythm & blues and gospel, including national recording artists Buddy Guy, Patti LaBelle and Isaac Hayes. Information is available at indyjazzfest.net.
*"The Gathering of Ferrari," showcasing a collection of vintage race cars and road cars on Friday, June 18 on Monument Circle. Information is available at the Ferrari Club of America - Indiana Chapter Web site at fca-cic.org.
*The "Evening of Angels" black-tie gala, a benefit for the Christel House children's charity, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Friday, June 18. Log on to christelhouse.org for information.
*CARA Charities "Indy Shop Tour" with the first American Formula One World Champion, Phil Hill, on Friday, June 18. For information, contact CARA Charities at (317) 299-2277 or carachar@aol.com.
*Indianapolis Concours Grand Prix. An antique and collector car show and auction on Saturday, June 19 at Monument Circle. Log on to indyconcours.com for additional information.
Formula One practice and qualifications are scheduled for Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19, respectively, at IMS. The first F1 practice session takes place from 11 a.m.-noon (EST) Friday, and is followed by a second practice from 2-3 p.m.
The third and fourth F1 practice sessions are 8-8:45 a.m. and 9:15-10 a.m. on June 19, followed by pre-qualifying at noon and qualifications from 1-2 p.m.
The fifth USGP is scheduled for a noon (EST) start Sunday, June 20.The Porsche Michelin Supercup series and Formula BMW USA Championship each will conduct two races over the weekend on the 2.605-mile road circuit at the Speedway, provided fans with virtually non-stop action.
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Tickets: Tickets for the United States Grand Prix can be purchased online at indianapolismotorspeedway.com, or by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-4639 (INDY) outside the Indianapolis area. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office
Hotel availability and rate information can be found and booked online at indy.org/usgphotels or by calling 800-556-INDY.
Three of Racecar's Racers will be participating in the USGP:
Click here for the Official Kimi Raikkonen web site - designed and built by Racecar
Click here for the Official Jenson Button web site - designed and built by Racecar
Click here for the Official Giancarlo Fisicella web site - designed and built by Racecar
