AAA Returns to Indy 500; AAA Now Official Auto Club, Travel Agency & Insurance Company At Indy; AAA Members To Enjoy Souvenir & Ticket Discounts.

INDIANAPOLIS -- AAA (American Automobile Association), which sanctioned every Indianapolis 500 from 1911 to 1955, returns to the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 2006 in a new partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

AAA is the Official Auto Club, the Official Travel Agency and Official Auto Insurance Company of the Indianapolis 500 in an agreement announced Dec. 21.

"We're pleased that AAA is making a triumphant return to the Indianapolis 500," said Joie Chitwood, president and chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While AAA's past involvement with the race centered around the teams and drivers, this new affiliation is focused on benefiting the loyal fans who make the month of May at the Indy 500 one of the world's great events."

Because of AAA's sponsorship, AAA members will receive special benefits through the AAA "Show Your Card and Save" program, including discounts on tickets to the Indianapolis 500, IMS licensed merchandise and admission to the IMS museum.

"We plan to provide exciting new reasons for racing fans to join AAA and new benefits at IMS for current AAA members," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president, AAA Automotive. The partnership also includes AAA signage at the Speedway, print and radio advertising and other promotional rights.

"The history of organized auto racing in America begins with the work of AAA and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911," Doney said. "Motorsports are a large part of our heritage, and we are proud to return to our historical roots at the Indy 500. Over the years AAA has remained an advocate for the American driver, for improved traffic safety and for expanded leisure travel opportunities, yet we look forward to building on our racing legacy in a new era for AAA and IMS."

Individual AAA clubs have been involved in motorsports sponsorships over the years, but the Indianapolis 500 is one of the few motorsports events - and the only open-wheel race - with which the national AAA organization recently has formed a partnership.

As the nation's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.aaa.com.

The Indianapolis 500 is the most prestigious and longest-running auto race in the United States, taking place every year on Memorial Day weekend since 1911 except for during America's participation in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. It is known worldwide as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" and attracts the largest single-day crowd of any spectator sporting event in the world.

2006 Indy 500 tickets: Fans are encouraged to submit their ticket orders for the 90th Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2006 to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as soon as possible. The most convenient, fastest method is online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Fans also can purchase tickets, camping or parking for the 90th Indianapolis 500 through the IMS ticket office at (800) 822-INDY.