By Paul Kelly
allstate400atthebrickyard.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
During his dominant victory in the Brickyard 400 on Aug. 8, Jeff Gordon earned one of the most unique $400 bonuses in the 11-year history of the classic NASCAR event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Every lap of all 11 Brickyard 400 races since 1994 at the Speedway has featured a bonus of $400 for the leading driver. Sponsors provide the lap money. But an interesting situation arose during this year's Brickyard 400, as it was the first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race to finish under the new green-white-checkered rule designed to provide a green-flag finish for fans. The race actually lasted 161 laps, one more than the scheduled distance, and there was no sponsor for the final lap. Enter the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA), which advances Indianapolis tourism and economic growth. The ICVA stepped up to sponsor the lap leader bonus for Lap 161, providing another $400 for Gordon, who was raised in nearby Pittsboro, Ind. "It was a no-brainer," said Bob Bedell, ICVA president & CEO. "Jeff Gordon is one of our hometown heroes, and we are honored to celebrate his success with this additional lap money. The Speedway is a huge sponsor and supporter of the ICVA and the Indianapolis hospitality community year after year. We appreciate this unique opportunity to demonstrate our admiration and gratitude." Gordon's total purse for his record fourth Brickyard 400 was increased to $518,453 due to the additional lap bonus money. Gordon, who earned $49,600 in lap bonus money for leading a record 124 laps, will donate his Lap 161 bonus to the Jeff Gordon Foundation. The Jeff Gordon Foundation is dedicated to supporting the physical, social and intellectual needs of children and their families throughout the United States. "It's great that the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association stepped up to the plate and sponsored the lap," Gordon said. "I'm very proud of all that the Jeff Gordon Foundation has done for Indiana, and especially what we've done for Riley Hospital for Children." The 12th Brickyard 400 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 7. Gordon will attempt to become the first driver to win five major races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 96-year history of the track. *** 2005 tickets: Customers who are upgrading or purchasing Brickyard 400 tickets for the first time should act quickly to increase their chances of obtaining their desired seats for the 12th Brickyard 400 on Aug. 7, 2005. To purchase tickets, camping or parking, 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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