IRL: IMS report on AARWBA Awards dinner

HULMAN-GEORGE FAMILY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MEDIA AWARD

INDIANAPOLIS, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005 -- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chairman Mari Hulman George accepted the prestigious Dusty Brandel President's Award on behalf of the Hulman-George family at the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association annual All-America Team dinner presented by Sprint NEXTEL on Dec. 3 in Indianapolis.

The Hulman-George family was honored for its vision, leadership and dedication to motorsports during its 60 years of ownership of IMS. Mari Hulman George received the award before a sellout audience at the 36th annual dinner, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

The dinner officially concluded the 50th Anniversary Celebration for AARWBA, the oldest and largest organization of motorsports media professionals in America.

"My family is very grateful for this recognition," Mari Hulman George said. "My father was a strong supporter of the fine work of AARWBA, and we are pleased to have continued that tradition through the years. We really appreciate the significant role that AARWBA and its members have played in the growth of IMS and of racing in the United States."

Terre Haute, Ind., businessman Tony Hulman purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Nov. 14, 1945. The facility had deteriorated since the Indianapolis 500 was suspended from 1942-45 due to America's participation in World War II.

But Hulman's vision and leadership helped restore the Speedway to its position as the leading motorsports facility in the world, as the Indianapolis 500 resumed in 1946 and has continued annually as the world's most prestigious auto race.

Hulman guided the Speedway until his death in October 1977. His wife, Mary Fendrich Hulman, became chairman of the board after his death, and their daughter, Mari Hulman George, became chairman of the board in 1988.

Mari Hulman George's son, Anton Hulman "Tony" George, became president of the Speedway in January 1990 and now is chief executive officer of IMS and the Indy Racing League. Under Tony George's leadership, the Speedway has expanded its schedule to become the only racing facility to play host to the world's three major racing series, with the Indianapolis 500 for the IRL IndyCar® Series, United States Grand Prix for Formula One and Allstate 400 at the Brickyard for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

2005 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon also was a major award winner at the dinner, as he was named the recipient of the Jerry Titus Memorial Award as national driver of the year. The prestigious award is selected by AARWBA members.

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IMS tickets: To purchase tickets, camping or parking for the Indianapolis 500, United States Grand Prix, Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, Freedom 100 or Liberty Challenge, contact the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, (317) 492-6700 locally or log on to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

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