Tony George, the president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has worked with local and federal officials to increase safety for the 150,000 fans who will attend the race.

It's the first international sporting event in the United States since the terrorist attacks.

"There is heightened awareness and heightened concerns, so we feel like we have taken the appropriate measures to address those concerns," George said. "It is important to try and get back to carrying on about our normal lives. We have forever been changed, but we do have to get back to what we normally do. From the outset, my first conversations with Bernie Ecclestone (Formula One head) is that we needed to go forward.

"At the outset, I was concerned whether this event would come off or not, but this shows the resolve and the spirit, not only for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway but for Formula One."

George would not get specific when asked about the increased security, but a military presence is expected with the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard in addition to a large contingent of police from Speedway, Indiana, Indianapolis, the Marion County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police.

"I don't think it would be appropriate to say what it will be, but every type of security that should be involved will be," George said.

Last year's race drew more than 200,000 fans, making it the best attended race in Formula One history. Ticket sales are down this year and the crowd also may be affected by the tenor in the U.S.

Many F-1 teams decided not to bring guests from overseas, leaving many caterers out of work and many suites nearly empty on race day.

"This year, it has been reported that we haven't sold out the event, but I'm encouraged by the number of tickets we have sold in the last week," George said. "I'm looking forward to a good crowd and I'm very encouraged.

"It will still be a very well-attended event. I'm pleasantly surprised things are going as well at this point, given the mood of the events of the past few weeks. We stand united and this race will have some special meaning." ...

Relief effort
Race sponsor SAP and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have combined forces to raise funds for the American Red Cross this weekend.

More than 110 American Red Cross volunteers will staff collection stations at 37 locations around the Speedway to gather donations. IMS will provide logistical support as well as providing tickets to the race to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers.

SAP announced it would kick off the U.S. Grand Prix donation drive with an initial contribution of $100,000. SAP also said it will donate $3 million to various funds for victims' relief.

In addition to supporting the Red Cross donation effort, IMS and SAP announced that the two companies, along with Bridgestone/Firestone, have purchased American flags that will be distributed to the first 100,000 fans as they enter on Sunday.

In addition, more than 50 American flags will fly atop the grandstands that line the huge racing facility.

A full slate of patriotic musical performances will mark the starting ceremonies. The Indianapolis Children's Choir will perform the national anthem, firemen who helped in rescue efforts will be saluted with a ride around the track and special guest artists will be featured.

"We are very pleased that SAP and the American Red Cross are cooperating in this effort to assist the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington," George said. "SAP has gone beyond what is expected of a title sponsor and their generosity is commendable. I know that race fans will respond in kind." ...

On hallowed ground
Last year's Indianapolis 500 winner, Juan Montoya, believes the U.S. Grand Prix will succeed because the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hallowed ground.

"This is a holy place for motor racing, and people admire it that way," Montoya said. "And that's why I think Formula One is going to be successful in America, because it's at the Speedway."

Baby Barrichello
Rubens Barrichello, who finished second to teammate Michael Schumacher in last year's U.S. Grand Prix, celebrated the birth of his son. Rubens and Silvana Barrichello are the proud new parents of a son, Eduardo, who was born Sunday in Brazil.

Montoya matrimony
Juan Montoya has become engaged. His fiance is fellow Colombian Connie Freydel, who has been studying law in Madrid, Spain.

Designer
Orange Arrows-Asiatech has signed Sergio Rinland as its new chief designer. Rinland, who helped design this year's Sauber C20 before parting company with that team, already is at work at Arrows under the direction of technical director Mike Coughlan.

An Argentine native, Rinland began his F-1 career in the mid-1980s when he designed the RAM car. Between 1986-92, he worked for Williams, Dallara and Brabham. He then established his design team, Astauto, working with the Fondmetal F-1 team.