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Pruett Vineyard Corks A Winner For The Indianapolis 500

Star driver Scott Pruett has made his mark on many forms of racing over the years, winning races and championships along the way. Knowing that his career won’t last forever, Scott and his wife, Judy, have pursued other interests, writing children’s books and getting into the wine business with their relatively new Pruett Vineyard. To celebrate the 100th anniversary edition of the Indianapolis 500, they crafted a limited edition Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, and they presented a magnum bottle of their wine to each of the 33 team owners that qualified for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“To be part of the history and excitement of the Indianapolis weekend gave me an emotional rush,” Pruett said while racing at Watkins Glen this weekend. “Going to Indy for the 100th and having one of our wines featured with 100th logo on it was incredible for me. Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske loved the wine as did others. It couldn’t have been better for me personally.” The owners received their magnum of wine in a laser-etched commemorative wooden box.

The grapes were grown in the last two years from a small vineyard that represents seven years of effort. “I do all the work and I have been fortunate to get involved with winemakers from Napa Valley. I handle it from barrel to bottle, and it means a lot to me personally, as I don’t want to just add my label to the bottle.”

Pruett, a five-time Indianapolis 500 starter, says he has learned the business through hard-work and persistence. “I have learned to know the vines and the vinting process – labeling, corking and everything,” he said enthusiastically.

For race weekend, Pruett was competing with the Rolex Sports Car Series at Lime Rock Park but made time to be in Indianapolis for many of the activities, including the large autograph session and renewing acquaintances with the Indy stars.

“It was great getting to be with Johnny Rutherford, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al and Al Unser Jr. and Parnelli Jones,” he said. “I had always looked up to Parnelli and he and I have become good friends. It was an incredible experience.”

Businessman Pruett thoroughly enjoyed the Indianapolis experience and hopes the products produced by the Pruett Vineyard will be remembered by all who enjoyed the wine. The limited edition Indy 500 wine bottle can be acquired through www.pruettvineyard.com.

A week after the Indianapolis 500, Pruett and teammate Scott Pruett finished second in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, and they have their eyes on yet another Rolex Series championship.

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