Fans have chance to “trick out” safety cars
Through a contest starting today and lasting through Jan. 1, 2008 on the indycar.com Website, fans will be able to register, download a template of the all-new, 268-horsepower Honda Accord Coupe, and then create their own unique paint schemes and decals for the vehicles that will pace 14 of the 15 domestic IndyCar Series events during the 2008 season.
The contest winner will receive a pair of tickets to the season-opening IndyCar Series race at Miami-Homestead Speedway on March 29, 2008, along with pit/garage passes and travel accommodations for both the winner and a guest.
"Everyone at Honda is enthusiastic about the new Accord and its role as the new Safety Car for the IndyCar Series," said Robert Clarke, president of Honda Performance Development. "This is the highest-performing, best-looking Accord yet. We eagerly anticipate seeing the paint and graphic schemes developed by fans. It's a great opportunity for our supporters to become even more involved in the IndyCar Series."
Completely redesigned with an aggressive, sportier stance for 2008, the Honda Accord features the latest generation Honda Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology; a lower center of gravity, new independent multi-link rear suspension, V-6 power and available 18-inch wheels. Modifications to the Accords required for IndyCar Series Safety Car duty include safety roll cages and high-performance wheels and tires for race-track use.
Participants in the contest may enter through the indycar.com Website. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age, and each contestant may submit only one entry. IndyCar Series officials will nominate the top 10 designs on Jan. 2, and online voting from fans Jan. 7-11 will then select three finalists. A celebrity panel, including IndyCar Series legends, will determine and announce the winning design on Jan. 15.
"The Honda Safety Car contest provides a unique opportunity to engage our fans in the design process," said John Lewis, vice president for marketing and league development, Indy Racing League. "Not only are we proud to have the power of the Honda Accord Coupe pace our events but to have the winner's design adorn the Safety Car will remind us of one the most important reasons we are all here – the fans."
The Delphi Safety Team also will continue to use Honda vehicles in 2008, operating a fleet of Honda Ridgelines as well as a Honda Pilot, all equipped for the team's various safety and medical needs.