Youths can visit Indy 500 Gasoline Alley with Junior Garage Credential

A new generation of fans will have unprecedented access to one of the most fascinating, cool places in worldwide racing – Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the 2011 Indianapolis 500 – through the new Junior Garage Credential program.

Fans age 9-17 can visit the world-famous Gasoline Alley garage area at IMS from Opening Day, Saturday, May 14 through Saturday, May 28 with the purchase of a Junior Garage Credential. All Junior Garage Credential holders must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has a Bronze Badge credential, which also grants garage area access.

A limited quantity of Junior Garage Credentials will be available at $75 each at the IMS Credentials Office starting Monday, April 25.

"There's no place in the world like Gasoline Alley during the Month of May," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "There are so many interesting things for kids to see and learn. Teams work under pressure on their cars to find more speed, and top stars focus on victory while rookie drivers learn the intricacies of what makes the event so dramatic and special.

"The Junior Garage Credential will give younger fans excellent access and create family memories for a lifetime during the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500."

A Junior Garage Credential gets young fans closer to the action than ever. Inside Gasoline Alley, youths will see superstar drivers prepare for a 225-mph run toward victory and immortality at Indy and watch mechanics up-close as they meticulously build and repair some of the most high-tech racing machines on Earth. There's better availability for autographs in Gasoline Alley, too!

Junior Garage Credentials and Bronze Badges are not valid for garage access on Race Day, Sunday, May 29 and are not valid for pit lane access at any time. A Junior Garage Credential and Bronze Badge do not provide seating, parking or early-access gate admission.

Parent or legal guardian and minor child both must be present and each sign the required forms at the time of purchase or redemption of coupon. The accompanying parent or legal guardian will be required to show proof of a Bronze Badge purchase or credential when signing the release form.

Purchases are limited to two minors per credentialed adult. Junior Garage Credentials and Bronze Badges are non-transferrable. Fans can call the IMS Credentials Office at (317) 492-6500 to be added to the Bronze Badge/Junior Garage Credential mail order list before the on-sale date of April 25.