Brazilian President to attend centennial Indy 500

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be attending next year’s Indianapolis 500, it has been confirmed by IndyCar championship organizers, with the 2011 race set to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Indy 500 back in 1911.

The presence of ‘Lula’ will not be his first at an IndyCar event, as the 65-year-old waved the checkered flag at this year’s season-opening race in São Paulo.

“We are very happy with the relationship we have established with Brazil," said Terry Angstadt, President for IndyCar’s commercial division.

“Since President Lula has always supported the IZOD IndyCar Series, it is an honor for us to invite him to the historical centennial of the 500."