Verizon IndyCar Series champ Scott Dixon marks major IMS milestone

Verizon IndyCar Series driver Scott Dixon speaks with IMS President Doug Boles after help install the final touches to the new Gate 1 at IMS

Reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion and 2008 Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon helped make more history today, placing the official "Indianapolis Motor Speedway" lettering above the new Gate 1 sign at IMS. The moment marked the official opening of the new IMS Gate 1 Plaza, a key piece of Project 100 at IMS.

"Having our Verizon IndyCar Series champion and an Indy 500 winner here at the Speedway to mark this significant occasion means so much to everyone here at IMS," Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. "The new Gate 1 Plaza will welcome fans from across the globe to our iconic facility, and provide a treasured year-round photo opportunity for visitors. This weekend, at the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, don't miss your chance to be one of the first fans to walk through this historic entryway."

Project 100 represents a more than $90 million investment in the future of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Phase 3 of the project, now nearing completion, includes the new Gate 1 Plaza, an improved track fence, additional rows of seating along the front straightaway and the first stadium seats at IMS.

The new Gate 1 Plaza includes checkered flag-pattern tile as well as fan bricks, light posts accented with the famous Wing and Wheel logo and a recreation of the famous 1909 photo that has the layout of IMS inlaid in the entryway. It includes 19 entry gates, more than doubling the number previously available at Gate 1. It also significantly expands the entry space available to fans as they first enter the facility.

The next Project 100 milestone will be the placement of the famous Wing and Wheel above the new Gate 1 during Race Week of the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.