Versatile, Media-Savvy Driver In June 13 “Indy Legends” Charity Pro-Am
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) today announced that Arie Luyendyk Jr. has entered its second annual “Indy Legends” Charity Pro-Am race, the feature event of its June 11-14 Brickyard Invitational at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The 2006 Indianapolis 500 starter’s entry brings the number of Pro-Am drivers in the field to 23. The SVRA expects 33 Indianapolis 500 veterans to start.
The son of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk Sr., the younger racing star is part of an emerging generation that understands the challenges of getting up on the wheel as well as the multi-channel media world that revolves around it. Active in social media Luyendyk created a sensation by becoming a reality television star on ABC’s “The Bachelorette” series.
A versatile driver, he currently competes in the TORC (The Off Road Championship) series with his own team. He has a varied resume of racing experiences, including Robby Gordon’s Stadium Super Truck Series, four seasons with Indy Lights, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring – all to go along with his Indianapolis 500 start. Luyendyk was a consistent top finisher in Indy Lights, scoring a win, four pole positions and 13 podiums. He was voted series most popular driver four consecutive years.
“I just love racing and I am pretty much ready for anything – including another shot at the Indianapo;lis 500 some day,” Luyendyk says. “When Tony Parella called about driving one of the classic Trans-Am cars on the IMS road course I adjusted my schedule and made it happen. The Speedway is a special place and it will be great to tackle the road course in real competition against a field of accomplished drivers I have total respect for.”
Like last year, the SVRA, America’s premier vintage racing organization, is presenting the “Indy Legends” Charity Pro-Am for veterans of the Indianapolis 500. It is a 40-minute race of American muscle cars on the Speedway’s 2.43-mile Grand Prix road course on Saturday, June 13. All the veterans will be in 1963 to 1972 vintage Corvettes, Camaros and Mustangs of “Group 6,” with an engine displacement limit of 355 cubic inches. Professionals will be paired with amateur drivers, splitting stints at the wheel at their discretion.
“I like to bring together a mix of revered, mature veterans and the young lions” said SVRA President & CEO Tony Parella. “I really appreciate that Arie brings that to the table. Even more so I respect his understanding of the modern day motorsports world and the importance of the array of media available today. He’s a highly skilled young man that continues to pursue his dream. I am thrilled the SVRA gets to be a part of his story.”
The Indy Legends Pro-Am is the crowning event of the Brickyard Invitational but there is literally a festival of other activities. Like last year, the storied 2.5-mile oval will be utilized with exhibition runs by a wide variety of cars including several of the crowd-favorite 1950’s Indianapolis 500 “roadsters.” The 2015 weekend not only promises a huge gathering of race cars but also some of the finest collector cars. Motostalgia, with offices in Austin, Mexico City and Monaco will stage a June 12 auction of select automobiles from around the world. The Brickyard Invitational will also expand out onto the world-famous infield IMS golf course with car corrals for organizations and clubs united by special marques and vintages.
The SVRA has 11 groups of race cars spanning 100 years of vintage machines and all will be at IMS. The array of entries include select pre-war machines, classic sports cars, Formula One and Le Mans prototypes as current as 2009. Race fans can enjoy every minute of the action with overnight camping inside IMS. Pro-Am cars and drivers will also participate in a Fan Walk through the starting grid prior to the opening ceremonies allowing fans to see the cars up close, take photos and chat with the drivers. All entry fees will be donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum Foundation.
Brickyard Invitational ticket information: Fans can order Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational tickets for all or any one of the four days of the event online through the Speedway or by calling 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Fans can also visit the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at 4790 West 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are available. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information. Children 12 and under are admitted free each day when accompanied by an adult. Tent camping passes in the IMS infield start at $30 and are available all four days.