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Indy’s Opening Day Should Be Action Packed

HAMMOND, IN: With the Rookie Orientation Program featuring at least eleven participants, plus a salute to the Unser family planned for early afternoon, Sunday’s Indianapolis Star Opening Day at the Speedway is looking more and more like a return to the “good old days”.

The historic father and son duo of Al Unser Jr. and Sr. is scheduled to turn honorary laps in their actual Indy Cars around the 99 year old oval at 11:30 AM. Then, between 1-2:30PM, there will be an Unser Family autograph/ Q & A session for fans and friends at the Coke Zero Stage behind the Pagoda. Along with Al Jr. and Sr., Speedway veterans Robbie and Johnny Unser will be joined by Al Unser III, who will be racing in the Indy Pro Series race on Carb Day.

The activity on the track itself should be non-stop, as the rookie class of 2008 begins the steep learning curve that is Rookie Orientation. From the former Champ Car series, drivers Will Power, Mario Moraes, E.J. Viso, Justin Wilson, Mario Dominguez, Graham Rahal, Enrique Bernoldi and Oriol Servia are expected to be joined by Ryan Hunter-Reay, Davie Hamilton, Sarah Fisher and Max Papis as they attempt to pass their rookie and/or refresher tests. And, of course, there is the strong possibility of other last minute combinations.

With both Sunday and Monday reserved for rookie and refresher tests, the veteran drivers will look toward Tuesday, when practice for all entrants will begin in earnest. The weather forecast, at least for the first several days of practice, looks great.

All the pieces for a memorable month of May are in place. The countdown has begun. Keep your browser locked on RacingNation.com for continuing coverage of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

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