INDIANAPOLIS The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is contributing $10,000 to the American Red Cross to assist its relief efforts for Haitian earthquake victims. Thousands were killed and injured when a massive earthquake struck Jan. 12 near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The catastrophic damage destroyed the infrastructure of the capital of the Caribbean island nation, creating an urgent need for funds for water, food, medical services and temporary shelter. “Our fans have responded to the needs in Haiti by offering generous donations through our auctions on the Internet, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for supporting this cause,” said Mari Hulman George, chairman of the Board of Directors, Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Given the ongoing and long-term needs of the people of Haiti, our family felt it important to do more. The American Red Cross is doing wonderful things in the wake of this tragedy, and we’re proud to partner with them on these relief efforts.” Motorsports fans also can contribute to the American Red Cross in many ways, including an online auction at the IMS eBay site and a Brickyard Authentics retail store price reduction. All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The auction site: ~http://shop.ebay.com/ims_online/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25~ The newest item to be added to the auction is a VIP ticket package for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 race weekend May 28-May 30. Included are four tickets in an IMS luxury suite for Miller Lite Carb Day, Friday, May 28 and Race Day, Sunday, May 30, four pit and garage credentials (if age 18 or over) and a police escort to IMS on Race Day morning. Memorabilia autographed by Indianapolis 500 legends such as A.J. Foyt, Johnny Rutherford, Helio Castroneves and Michael Andretti are up for auction now. Items autographed by IZOD IndyCar Series stars Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Ed Carpenter and Vitor Meira also are available, as is a 2009 Indianapolis 500 program signed by famed artist Thomas Kinkade. More items are being added to the auction regularly. Check the auction site daily for updates. Fans visiting Brickyard Authentics retail locations at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum and Indianapolis International Airport will receive a 20 percent savings on any purchase with a donation of $5 or more to the American Red Cross canisters located near the register. This program is valid at the retail stores only. Fans also can contribute directly to American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Donors also can text “Haiti” to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization not a government agency and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or read the blog at ~http://blog.redcross.org~. IMS tickets: Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. Beginning in 2009, the Speedway celebrates its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility in 2009 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011. Tickets can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.