Disneyland Autopia Cars Race for Charity at the Indy 500

Disneyland Autopia Cars Race for Charity at the Indy 500

May 29, 2006

Futuristic Cars Set to Cruise to Hong Kong Disneyland this Summer

    HONG KONG, May 29 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Checkered
flags waved, crowds cheered and engines roared as two
American traditions teamed up to celebrate special
milestones.  

    (Photos: 
http://xprnnews.xfn.info/hkdisney/20060529/Indy5001.htm 
             
http://xprnnews.xfn.info/hkdisney/20060529/Indy5002.htm )

    In honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary and the 90th
running of the Indianapolis 500, "The Happiest Place
on Earth" and "The Greatest Spectacle in
Racing" teamed up for the "Minnie Indy Charity
Race" on Wednesday, May 24 (Thursday, May 25 HK Time)
at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  

    Minnie Mouse herself was on hand to wave in the likes
of Danica Patrick, Dan Wheldon, Eddie Cheever, Jr., and
Dario Franchitti who were among the 31 IndyCar Series
drivers who participated in the whimsical race.  They were
driving miniature cars taken directly from one of
Disneyland's original opening day attractions -- the
ever-popular Autopia. 

    Instead of racing along the highways of Disneyland's
Tomorrowland, the Autopia cars and their speed-loving
IndyCar Series drivers traversed a comical obstacle race
course (at top speeds of 10 mph!) that took place on a
specially designed "Minnie" roadway created on
the famous Brickyard.  

     "The fun of Disneyland and the spectacle of the
Indy 500 are two great American traditions," said Matt
Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort.  "As the
50th anniversary celebration enters its finale this summer
we are proud that our Autopia cars will be on hand to
commemorate 90 years of racing excellence at the Indy
500."   

    The Autopia tradition will continue this summer as a
new generation of futuristic cars cruise over to Hong Kong
Disneyland where they will make their new home in
Tomorrowland and immerse guests in a cosmic environment. 
Guests of all ages will whiz down the highway of Tomorrow
in their electric space cars and encounter all sorts of
alien landscapes, promising a fun adventure for the entire
family.

     "This summer Hong Kong Disneyland will welcome
its very own version of Autopia," said Bill Ernest,
executive vice president and managing director Hong Kong
Disneyland Resort.  "This will be a very exciting
moment for all our guests as they experience for themselves
the classic Disney Autopia attraction -- with a futuristic
twist!"

    About Hong Kong Disneyland

    Opened on September 12, 2005 and located on lush Lantau
Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and
recreation centre consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style
theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland
Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600
guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring
boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum.  

    Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in
imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong
Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mulan and
other Disney characters beloved the world over.

    About 500 Festival

    The 500 Festival was created in 1957 to organize civic
events celebrating the Indianapolis 500.  It is a
not-for-profit organization supported by corporate
sponsorships, memberships and ticket sales.  More than
7,000 volunteers help produce 500 Festival events.  With
annual participation of more than 425,000 people from
around Indiana and the world, it has grown to be one of the
largest festivals in the nation.

    About Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

    The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide
leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in
1909.  The facility has played host to the Indianapolis
500, the world's largest single-day annual sporting event,
since 1911 and also is the site of the United States Grand
Prix Formula One race and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard
for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

    Celebrating with the Indianapolis 500 is just one of
the highlights of 2006 as the global 50th anniversary
celebration of Disneyland continues around the world. 
Throughout the year each Disney resort will showcase more
new innovative attractions and spectacular entertainment
designed to appeal to guests of all ages with immersive
experiences that only Disney can provide. 

    More information about the 50th anniversary
celebration, plus vacations at the Disneyland Resort are
available at http://www.disneyland.com , or by visiting
local travel agents.

    http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com

    For further inquiries please contact: 

     Anita Lai                        
     Manager, Publicity             
     Hong Kong Disneyland            
     Tel:   [phone]     
     Email: [e-mail]                           
              

     Zoey Tsang                       
     Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
     Tel:   [phone] 
     Email: [e-mail]     
    
SOURCE  Hong Kong Disneyland