SAP & IMS Announce Major US GP Fundraising Activity

Official US Grand Prix sponsor SAP and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced today a fund raising initiative for the American Red Cross during this weekend.

More than 110 American Red Cross volunteers will staff collection stations at 37 locations around the Speedway to gather donations to aid the Red Cross in their support of victims and families of the tragic events of September 11th in Washington and New York. IMS will provide logistical support to the Red Cross, as well as providing tickets to the race to acknowledge the volunteers for their efforts.

SAP announced that it will kick off the SAP United States Grand Prix donation drive with an initial donation of $100,000. SAP has announced that it will donate $3 million to various funds for victims' relief.

In addition to supporting the Red Cross donation effort, IMS and SAP announced that the two companies, along with Bridgestone/Firestone, have purchased American flags that will be distributed to the first 100,000 racing fans as they enter the Speedway on Sunday. In addition, more than 50 American flags will fly atop the grandstands that line the huge racing facility.

A full slate of musical performances with a patriotic theme will mark the starting ceremonies. The Indianapolis Children's Choir will perform the National Anthem, firemen who helped in rescue efforts will be saluted with a drive around the track, and special guest artists will be featured.

"At SAP, we are pleased to partner with IMS to help the American Red Cross raise money at this event, and we encourage racing fans to bring America's spirit of generosity with them to the speedway this weekend," said Marty Homlish, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for SAP. "More than 400 million people around the world are expected to watch the SAP United States Grand Prix on Sunday. What better way could there be to demonstrate the spirit of America than with a strong display of patriotism, international brotherhood and community outreach."

Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, added: "We are very pleased that SAP and the American Red Cross are cooperating in this effort to assist the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. SAP has gone beyond what is expected of a title sponsor, and their generosity is commendable. I know that race fans will respond in kind."

In effect, the announcement confirmed that this weekend's race - the biggest sports event on American soil this year and the most important and the biggest since September 11 - has become a symbol of American unity.

The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League. However, this is the first time that charitable donations have been collected at the Speedway.