Pride and Patriotism Center Stage at US GP

The US Grand Prix will show the world the spirit of America after the recent attacks on the country, organisers said on Thursday.

And they expressed confidence that heightened security at the 250,000-seat Indianapolis Motor Speedway would ensure Sunday's race passes without major incident.

The Grand Prix will be the first major international sports event in the United States since thousands were killed when hijacked airliners targeted New York and Washington on September 11th.

Some 175,000 fans are still expected on race day alone - for an event with no US drivers and which is likely to be seen by a global television audience of more than 400 million people.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and sponsors SAP announced on Thursday that they would use the event to gather funds for the American Red Cross to help the families of the victims.

In addition to volunteers manning collection stations around the circuit, American flags will be handed out to the first 100,000 fans on Sunday.

Starting ceremonies will feature patriotic music, with a children's choir singing the National Anthem. Firemen who helped in rescue efforts will be driven around the track.

"What better way could there be to demonstrate the spirit of America than with a strong display of patriotism, international brotherhood and community outreach," said SAP vice-president Marty Homlish.

"I think you're going to see a very united people this weekend," Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Tony George told reporters.

Special Meaning

"They're here for I'm sure a great event and a great time but they're also going to be here to show their resolve as human beings," said George. "United we stand. I think everyone's probably looking for this event to have some special meaning."

Organisers have announced increased security for the event but have been coy about the details.

However, sources at the circuit suggested that a three-mile exclusion zone would be imposed on Sunday to prevent aircraft flying over the Speedway.

George was confident the event would not be a target, even though golf's Ryder Cup in Britain this weekend was called off.

"It is a sporting event...(the attackers) really struck at the heart of the economic system," he said. "This, as big as it is to us, is just a sporting event.

"While it is a large gathering and I think we have to take the appropriate steps, I'm not concerned about there being any kind of a situation develop out here this week."

George said the two weeks following the attacks had been an emotional roller-coaster and he had feared the race might not go ahead.

"In the early days and hours, things seemed to change every 15 minutes and then they changed every hour and then every two hours," he said.

"As the time between changes became greater I felt more comfortable that we were going to get this thing in no problem.

"We feel we have a good security plan and a good emergency plan in place. We have a long history of working closely with the agencies from a local level all the way up to the federal level," he added.

George said it was important "to try and get back to carrying on with our normal lives, to the extent that our lives will ever be normal again.

"We have forever been changed but we do have to get back to doing what we do and this is what we do. We put on races and Formula One puts on a world championship."