Thursday, May 05, 2011

Donald Trump bows out of Indy 500 pace car role


By Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images
Donald Trump has decided not to drive the pace car for the Indianapolis 500, but isn't attributing his withdrawal to the recent controversy over his planned role in the race's 100th anniversary celebration.

A press release from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway says Trump begged off because he may be announcing his intention to run for president soon, and that he thought that would make it inappropriate for him to drive the pace car.
"I very much appreciate the honor, but time and business constraints make my appearance there, especially with the necessary practice sessions, impossible to fulfill," Trump is quoted as saying in the press release. "I look forward to watching the race from New York."
COMPLETE STORY: Indianapolis Star
No replacement has been named. Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and CEO, said he understood the decision and that, "From my first conversation, I was impressed by his deep understanding of the event and history, and I thank him for being a true fan."
A Facebook site had begun a campaign to oust Trump from the pace car duty, in part because of the belief that the 100th anniversary race should have a previous winner in that role.

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