Viso will start month with Mini-Marathon

E.J. Viso

Forgive E.J. Viso if he’s a bit tired for the first day of Rookie Orientation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 4. The 23-year-old Venezuelan rookie will compete in the 32nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Downtown Indianapolis the day before he begins preparations for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

“I’m not a professional runner, but I do run quite a lot for training purposes and I really enjoy it," said Viso, who drives the No. 33 PDVSA HVM Racing car. “I think that participating in the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a great opportunity to spend some time with the people who will be watching the race in a few weeks. It is my first time running with so many people, I’ve only done a couple of 10Ks before but I’m really excited about it.

“When I get to the part of the marathon course that is inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, those will be my first steps on the track. I think it is fitting that I step foot on the grounds of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in this way. I will be taking it easy, however, not looking to set any records, as I have to be in the car on Sunday for my first day of Rookie Orientation."

Firestone Indy Lights points leader J.R. Hildebrand also is expected to run in the Mini-Marathon.