Indianapolis beefs up security plans

Federal, state and local police are co-operating in a giant operation to protect a 200,000-plus crowd following the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on September 11.

Officials say there will even be strict enforcement rules on the size of the coolers normally used for beer and sandwiches for fear they could contain guns or explosives. Police say that all carrier bags, backpacks and handbags will be searched, and additional uniformed officers will be stationed at each gate.

A number of other top secret precautions have been taken in a bid to stave off the possibility of a terrorist attack.

"Public safety is our first priority and I am grateful to the law enforcement and emergency response community for their co-operation in reviewing and strengthening the plans for the SAP United States Grand Prix," said Indianapolis president Tony George. "A number of additional measures will be taken, some our fans will see, some they won't, but all of them are being taken to assure we are doing what needs to be done for the security of all."

Jeff Dine, chief of police for the town of Speedway, added: "Federal, state and local agencies all work together here seamlessly, and all have reviewed and updated the procedures in light of the current situation. Many of our efforts have and will go unnoticed, and that is the intended purpose. There is no better system at any large event anywhere than what we have in place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."

Major sporting events across America, including baseball and NFL football, returned to normal last weekend for the first time since the terrorist attacks.