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Donald Trump Acquires Taste for Indy 500 - Will Drive Pace Car

 
850 views Apr 6, 2011

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The Donald is coming to Indianapolis.

Donald Trump has been named the pace car driver for the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 and will lead the field of 33 Dallara/Honda/Firestone Indy cars to the green flag on Sunday, May 29.  He'll be equipped with the new 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible pace car, a 400-horsepower V-8 Chevy with a six-speed automatic transmission.  

Trump is a self-made tycoon who has developed hotels and condominiums, golf courses and other real estate around the globe.  He is also a best-selling author, television producer and star of the hit,11-season television series, "The Apprentice."

The New York-born Trump stated, "It's a great honor to be selected as the pace car driver for such an American institution as the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.  The Indianapolis 500 has been the gold standard of motorsports for a century, and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the Camaro and bring the famous field of 33 drivers to the green flag."

Trump, who charges fees for everything he does in business is driving the Camaro convertible pace car without collecting a penny, he said.  While he primarily lives in New York, where driving is an activity best left to cab drivers, Trump does have a drivers license and considers "it a great privilege to drive."

A good friend of Roger Penske, who owns the three cars driven by three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, 2010 series runner-up Will Power and perennial contender Ryan Briscoe, The Donald is looking to get some driving tips from The Captain before he takes on the task.  Trump will also get some practice time on the 2.5-mile oval before Race Day.

A big question is what he'll do about his famous hair in the Chevy Camaro convertible.  Trump said he'd make a decision on whether to wear a cap at some point during his pre-race practice, which occurs the day before the race.

Another big question for Trump: if there's a Big One on the first lap, will he march up to the driver(s) in question and pointedly tell them, "You're fired!"?

© 2011 Anne Proffit



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