Racing Kickoff Party at IMS Benefits Scholarship Fund

Central Indiana racing fans can take the green flag on the 2008 motorsports season by watching the Daytona "500" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Kickoff Party on 17 February, the IMS announced.

The party will benefit the Rich Vogler Memorial Scholarship Fund, a program that began in 1990 in memory of the five-time Indianapolis "500" starter and multiple United States Auto Club Midget and Sprint Car champion (pictured at left) who lost his life in July 1990 in an accident at Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

Doors to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Plaza Pavilion will open at 1:30 p.m., with the race broadcast scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free, and an all-you-can-eat picnic lunch is available for $8.95 for adults and $4.95 for children under 12.

Attendees will enjoy car displays, including one of Rich Vogler's Midget racers, and see the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard trophy. The Allstate "400" at the Brickyard Fan Tour will be available for fans to experience in the Pagoda Plaza. Live and silent auctions also will be featured, with many exciting racing items up for bid.