IndyCar news bits
Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay will serve as honorary ambassador March 5 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Bike MS: Breakaway to Key Largo. The fundraiser bike ride in South Florida is marking its 30th year raising money to help fund research and provide financial assistance and educational programs for those afflicted with MS. DHL, the primary sponsor on Hunter-Reay's No. 28 Honda, is showing its support by presenting a $10,000 check to the National MS Society and fielding a team to participate in the event.
Gerald McCoy, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been named grand marshal of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg that opens the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule March 11-13. Members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders squad will also join in the festivities to serve as grid girls. "This is a marquee event that unites our community with the racing world, and I'm blessed to have the chance to take part," said McCoy, who will issue the command for drivers to start their engines for the race. "I can't wait to kick off the race and look forward to seeing everyone in downtown St. Pete for the festivities." For ticket information, visit www.gpstpete.com or call (877) 725-8849.
Global electronic music icon Skrillex will headline the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light during the monumental 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. Fast-rising superstar Martin Garrix and popular acts Zeds Dead and DJ Mustard will join Skrillex on stage. General admission and VIP tickets are on sale for $20 and $85, respectively, at www.ims.com and www.Indy500SnakePit.com . All Snake Pit ticket holders must also hold a valid Indy 500 general admission or reserved seat ticket.
The Hoosier Lottery is teaming up with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to launch the official scratch-off game of the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, marking the first time fans will have the opportunity to purchase Indianapolis Motor Speedway-themed Hoosier Lottery merchandise. The tickets, priced at $5 apiece, are available at Hoosier Lottery retailers in Indiana and feature six different collectible scenes commemorating the 100th running. Players can win instant cash prizes up to $100,000 and epic race experiences through the second-chance promotion.