2008 Indianapolis 500 - News

News

• The purse for the 2008 Indy 500 was increased substantially from previous records. Under a new league revenue sharing program, the winner of the 2008 Indy 500 received an estimated US$2.5 million, while the entire race purse totaled at least US$13.4 million.
• Two-time Indianapolis 500 and Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi drove the Chevrolet Corvette pace car.
• 2007 IndyCar rookie of the year Ryan Hunter-Reay was eligible to compete for the Rookie of the Year award, under race rules. Even though he is an established IndyCar driver, he has not yet made a start at Indianapolis. Several other former Champ Car drivers will be individually evaluated and may be eligible to require only a "refresher" level test in lieu of the traditional four-phase rookie test. Any driver not declared a rookie, but had not started this race in the past, in the series were declared rookies for this race only.
• With the IRL/CC merger, the 2008 running is expected to one of the most competitive in many years.
• Peak motor oil sponsored the US$100,000 pole position award.
• The official entry list was released April 11. The initial list features 39 cars and 32 drivers. Additional drivers will be announced during practice and qualifying.
• 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, rode around the oval track approximately one hour prior to the 500 start aboard a Honda RC212V Grand Prix motorcycle, demonstrating the 2-wheel machinery that will be racing at Indianapolis in September.
• On May 19, the 33 qualified drivers took part in a media tour in New York City. The drivers lined up in the traditional eleven rows of three in front of the famous Charging Bull near Wall Street.
• On May 21, 2008, it was announced Kristi Yamaguchi will be the starter for the race. A death in the family forced Floyd Mayweather, Jr. to withdraw from the honorary position.