IRL: "Arie's Final 500"

Sprint PCS, Meijer Stores and Coca-Cola to Headline "Arie's Final 500"

Indianapolis, IN: Two-time Indy 500 winner, Arie Luyendyk, set the stage today for his final run for the checkered flags at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sprint PCS, Meijer Stores and Coca-Cola will be the title sponsors joining long time Arie Luyendyk supporters Provimi Veal and WavePhore, as well as Miller Lite, Chicago Pneumatic and M&M Precision.

Luyendyk, 45, who said last November he will retire following this year's Indianapolis 500, unveiled his No. 5 Sprint PCS/Meijer/G-Force/Aurora/Firestone entry as well as a commemorative "Arie's Final 500" logo to celebrate his retirement.

"It's not a coincidence that the logo has a border which represents the Indianapolis Motor Speedway," said Luyendyk. "That, along with the checkered flags and '500' symbolize my respect for the great tradition of this event, which means so much to me and the millions of fans around the world." The '99 Indy 500 marks his 15th start at the Speedway since his career began.

Luyendyk, the IRL's "Most Popular Driver" in 1997 and 1998, is finalizing plans for a number of public appearances and autograph sessions. "As much as possible, I want to use my final race at Indianapolis as an opportunity to say 'thank you' to the fans and sponsors who have supported me throughout my career," said Luyendyk, the 1990 and 1997 Indy winner. "I think the 'Arie's Final 500' logo can serve as a cornerstone to promote all our activities leading into the race."

The logo will be featured in sponsor advertising and promotional materials as well as on a line of souvenirs and clothing.

Team owner Fred Treadway, who is currently on a business trip in Europe is pleased to be involved with "Arie's Final 500." "Arie is not only my driver, but a true friend. I'm honored to support his final 500 and I'm proud of his accomplishments with Treadway Racing and throughout his career. He's a champion on and off the track. In combination with Sprint PCS, Meijer, Coca-Cola and the others, we'll be a contender for the win!"

"Sprint PCS is extremely proud to sponsor Arie Luyendyk in his final 500," said Ed Mattix, Sprint PCS chief public relations officer. "Arie is truly a legend in the racing world and has been a tremendous asset to Sprint PCS as we've built our nationwide wireless network. We look forward to an exciting season of activities supporting Arie's last race that will hopefully culminate in a third Indy 500 victory."

"The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indiana is proud to be teaming up with the Treadway Racing team for the 1999 Indianapolis 500, along with Meijer and Sprint PCS," stated Coca-Cola account executive Brett Holaday. "We are also very excited to be associated with Arie Luyendyk for the fourth straight year with the opportunity to sponsor his final 500. Mr. Luyendyk has brought a lot of exciting memories to the Indianapolis community during his final years of racing at the Speedway, and we are proud to be part of his finale."

"Coca-Cola is looking forward to the opportunity to take this sponsorship to a whole new promotional level. This is not just an ordinary promotion for Coca-Cola, this is a celebration. Coca-Cola will make it possible for racing fans to get up close and personal with Arie through appearances at Indianapolis area Meijer stores before his last Speedway endeavor. This will be a send off for a champion that will be memorable for all fans of the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing'".

Specific details of Luyendyk's appearances will be announced later.

For more information regarding Treadway Racing or "Arie's Final 500," visit www.treadwayracing.com on the Internet.

ARIE LUYENDYK FACT SHEET

AGE: 45 BIRTHDATE: September 21, 1953 BIRTHPLACE: Sommelsdyk, Holland RESIDENCE: Scottsdale, Ariz. HEIGHT: 5'11" WEIGHT: 170 lbs WIFE: Mieke WEDDING DATE: March 20, 1981 CHILDREN: Arie Jr.; September 18, 1981 Maida; June 14, 1988 Luca; July 23, 1993 Alec; July 23, 1993

INDY CAR RACES: 166 (131 CART, 11 USAC, 24 IRL) from 1984-1998.

FIRST INDY CAR RACE: Road America (CART), August 5, 1984. Started 18th. Finished eighth.

INDY CAR WINS: 7 1990-Indianapolis 500 (USAC; counted in CART standings) 1991-Phoenix, Nazareth (CART) 1996-Phoenix (IRL) 1997-Indianapolis 500, Texas (IRL) 1998-Las Vegas (IRL)

PRIZE MONEY: Over $10 Million

HIGHLIGHTS:

1972-Started career in Dutch Formula Vee series, seventh in championships) points. 1973-Firestone Trophy champion and second in Dutch Formula Ford 1600 series with five wins. 1974-Drove in German Formula Three and Formula Ford races. 1975-European Formula Ford champion. 1976-Drove in European Formula Ford and Super Vee races. 1977-European Super Vee champion. 1978-Drove in European Super Vee and Formula Three races. 1979-Drove in European Super Vee and Formula Three races. 1980-Second in European Super Vee series. 1981-Fourth in U.S. Super Vee series. 1982-Drove in European Super Vee races. 1984-U.S. Super Vee champion with four wins. 1985-18th in CART point standings, best finish fifth at Cleveland. 1986-17th in CART point standings, best finish sixth at Phoenix and Toronto. 1987-Seventh in CART point standings, best finish third at Phoenix. 1988-14th in CART point standings, best finish second at Portland. 1989-10th in CART point standings, best finish third at Portland. 1990-Eighth in CART point standings, best finish first at Indianapolis 500. 1991-Sixth in CART point standings, best finish first at Phoenix and Nazareth. 1992-Two Indy car starts. 1993-Eighth in CART point standings, best finish second at Indianapolis 500. 1994-17th in CART point standings, best finish second at Michigan 500. 1995-Two Indy car starts. 1996-Seventh in IRL point standings, best finish first at Phoenix. 1997-Sixth in IRL point standings, best finish first at Indianapolis 500 and Texas. 1998-Eighth in IRL point standings, best finish first at Las Vegas.

OTHER WINS/AWARDS: 1985-Indianapolis 500 and CART Rookie of the Year. 1986-Second place, Daytona 24 hours (sports cars). 1987-CART Most Improved Driver Award. 1989-Winner, Sebring 12 hours (sports cars). 1992-Named to People magazine "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" list. Invited to drive in International Race of Champions series. Second place, Sebring 12 hours (sports cars). 1993-Indianapolis 500 pole winner. Invited to drive in IROC series. 1997-Indianapolis 500 pole winner. IRL Most Popular Driver Award. 1998-Winner, Daytona 24 hours (sports cars). IRL Most Popular Driver Award. Invited to drive in IROC series.

ARIE LUYENDYK INDIANAPOLIS 500 RECORD (14 starts)

Year Team Start Finish Laps/Status

1985 Provimi 20 7 198/running 1986 Provimi-Hasselhoff 19 15 188/accident 1987 Provimi 7 18 125/suspension 1988 Provimi 6 10 196/running 1989 Provimi 15 21 123/engine 1990 Shierson 3 1 200/led 37 (Record average speed 185.981 mph) 1991 Uno/Granatelli 14 3 199/running 1992 Ganassi 4 15 135/led 1/accident 1993 Ganassi 1 2 200/led 14 1994 Indy Regency 8 18 179/engine 1995 Menard 2 7 200/led 7 laps 1996 Byrd's/Treadway 20 16 149/accident (Record four-lap qualifying speed 236.986 mph) 1997 Treadway 1 1 200/led 62 1998 Treadway 28 20 151/led 4/clutch