Centennial Era multimedia series starts Jan. 12 at IMS Web site

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will launch a multimedia series on its Web site Monday, Jan. 12 that salutes the heroes and great moments of 100 years of competition at the Racing Capital of the World as it starts its Centennial Era.

The series, entitled "Centennial Era Moments," will feature video clips with IMS legends and historical IMS photos at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com . New videos and photos will appear daily, Monday through Friday, until the Centennial Era Gala on Friday, Feb. 27 in downtown Indianapolis.

"This package will highlight the competitors and machines that have created such a rich history of speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1909," said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and chief operating officer. "There are so many historic events that will take place over the next three years surrounding our Centennial Era, starting with the Centennial Era Gala on Feb. 27, and this series will be a vibrant way to connect our loyal fans into that excitement."

The Centennial Era Gala, which will take place at the Indiana Convention Center, will kick off the Speedway's three-year Centennial Era celebration from 2009-2011.

"Centennial Era Moments" video subjects include Indianapolis 500 legends such as A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, Al Unser, Mario Andretti, Gordon Johncock and many more.

All of the videos and photos will be archived for easy access by fans. Interactive community features also will allow fans to comment on video and images and also post the videos on their blogs and Web sites.

IMS also will post selected videos on its MySpace and Facebook pages, with links to the complete package on www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.