B. Unser, Rutherford Among Legends Signing Autographs May 28 At IMS

Johnny Rutherford at Indy in 1980

Legendary winners Bobby Unser and Johnny Rutherford lead a growing number of drivers from the “roadster era" of front-engine cars at the Indianapolis 500 who are returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 28 for the “World’s Largest Autograph Session."

The “World’s Largest Autograph Session" is comprised of two signing groups May 28, one from 9-10 a.m. and another from noon-4 p.m. Every living driver from the Indianapolis 500 has been invited to IMS to participate in this special autograph session to celebrate the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500.

The morning group will feature all 33 drivers in the starting field of the 2011 Indianapolis 500 plus most of the 27 living winners of the “500," including Unser and Rutherford.

Many other veteran drivers will be the stars in the afternoon group, including “roadster" standouts Don Edmunds, Paul Goldsmith, Bob Harkey, Chuck Hulse, Art Malone and Chuck Weyant.

IMS also expects commitments from more drivers from the 1950s through the current decade for both groups as the Month of May approaches.

The “World’s Largest Autograph Session" is among the highlights of new fan attractions scheduled at IMS the day before the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. Other exciting features of Saturday, May 28 at IMS include:

•A public question-and-answer session with Chase Rookie of the Year candidates on the Coca-Cola Stage in the Pagoda Plaza from 10-10:15 a.m.

•The annual drivers’ meeting from 10:40-11 a.m., which includes awards presentations and last-minute instructions to the starting field.

•A full-scale memorabilia show already so popular that vendor space sold out within 48 hours.

•A display of vintage sprint and midget race cars, with several driven by the greatest legends of the Brickyard.

•Book signings featuring authors of new books about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its history.

•The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum will be open with its incredible new exhibition of 67 Indianapolis 500-winning cars.

•A “Virtual Indy 500" will feature fans across the world racing in a full-length Indianapolis 500 on the PC simulation iRacing.com. Selected fans also will compete against Indianapolis 500 drivers in an iRacing.com sprint race at IMS, with prizes including Race Day packages to the 2011 Indianapolis 500 and more.