Indy track offers discounted NASCAR tickets

Turn 3 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is historically the "sweet spot" of action during the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, as some of the race's most decisive passes and incidents have taken place there.

Now, selected backstretch reserved seats will be available at a special value price for the 16th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 26, offering NASCAR fans great action at a great price. These seats are at the end of the back straightaway entering Turn 3 of the historic 2.5-mile IMS oval.

Seats in Sections 41 through 50 of the Northeast Vista Backstretch, including the Northeast Vista Backstretch Platform (wheelchair-accessible seating), will sell for $45 each, a $30 savings.

"We understand that these are difficult economic times for everyone, and we want to help our loyal fans continue to enjoy their favorite sport at the greatest racetrack in the world," said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and chief operating officer. "These are great seats and an excellent value, especially since they provide an ideal view of one of the true action spots on the track."

A few examples of "Sweet Spot" action:

• In 2007, Indiana hero Tony Stewart passed Kevin Harvick entering Turn 3 with nine laps remaining after a drag race down the backstretch, driving away from Harvick for his second Brickyard victory.
• In 2000, Bobby Labonte completed a relentless pursuit of leader Rusty Wallace by starting a pass for the lead in Turn 3 on Lap 146, pulling away for victory after clearing Wallace in Turn 4 and on the front straightaway.
• In the inaugural race in 1994, one of the most famous clashes in the event's history started in Turn 3. Geoff Bodine passed his younger brother, Brett Bodine, for the lead entering Turn 3 on Lap 100. They bumped one turn later, with Geoff crashing out of the race, setting off family fireworks.
• Many other pivotal incidents have occurred in Turn 3. In 2004, a crash between Brian Vickers and Ryan Newman in Turn 3 on Lap 155 created the first "green-white-checkered" overtime finish at IMS, which resulted in Jeff Gordon's historic fourth victory.
• In 2006, a multi-car accident on the final lap in Turn 3 ensured Jimmie Johnson's first Brickyard victory.
• In 1997, Rich Bickle crashed in Turn 3 on Lap 155. That final caution period allowed Ricky Rudd stretch his fuel mileage just enough to hold off Labonte on fumes for a memorable victory.