Golden Gate parade

Report from Motorsport News International

NASCAR Public Relations

Drivers to cross Golden Gate

SAN FRANCISCO (April 29, 1997) In an effort to raise public awareness about the importance of driving 45 mph on the Golden Gate Bridge, 15 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race cars will cross the world-famous span and parade through the streets of scenic San Francisco on the way to Justin Herman Plaza on Thursday May 1 at 10 a.m. PDT. For 60 years the bridge has served not only as a vital link in the state's highway system, but as an engine of economic development supporting the industry, commerce, tourism and the vitality of the region. In recognition of the 60th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 1997, efforts to enhance the public's awareness of the 45 mph speed limit are paramount. To this end, the concept behind the "I Can Drive 45" promotion is simple: If a NASCAR Winston Cup Series car capable of traveling at 200 mph can drive 45 mph on the Golden Gate Bridge, then there's no excuse for any motorist to speed on the span. To amplify that point, these flashy races will sport "taxi-top" signs reading "I Can Drive 45 on the Golden Gate Bridge." This colorful and thundering parade of 700 horsepower stock cars will travel south across the Golden Gate Bridge beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sears Point Raceway, the Golden Gate Bridge District, KNBR Radio, the California State Automobile Association, the California Highway Patrol and NASCAR's top racers have joined forces for the speed campaign. With an entourage of San Francisco Police and CHP escorts, the cars will cross the bridge and continue in parade formation through the heart of downtown San Francisco. The cars will travel south across the bridge, to Doyle Drive, an onto scenic Marina Boulevard. They will turn right on Buchanan and left on Bay. The cars will pass through Montgomery Street, heart of the financial district, past the famous Transamerica Pyramid on the way to Market Street. At Market Street, the parade will turn left and proceed to Justin Herman Plaza on the Embarcadero. The entire parade route is seven miles. Fans are invited to watch the cars at all points along the route and join the rally at Justin Herman Plaza. Once at the plaza, the drivers will park their cars for spectators to see up close. The event is free to the public.

Jack Durbin indy500@freenet.tlh.fl.us Motorsport News International jackd@motorsport.com (Moderators for "rec.autos.sport.info") Homepage http://www.freenet.tlh.fl.us/users/indy500/index.html