The selection process for princesses begins several months before the race. Applications for 2012 became available online in October 2011 and January 6, 2012 was the last day they were accepted. Applications are available at the Indianapolis Festival website, 500festival.com, when they are being accepted.
Applicants must be between 28 and 23, single, legal residents of Indiana and enrolled as a full-time student in a fully-accredited Indiana college or university. They must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.8.
In order for the princesses to be chosen, all applicants are interviewed and 66 applicants are chosen for a second interview. The 33 princesses are then chosen from those who were interviewed the second time.
One 500 Festival Queen is chosen from the princesses and is crowned at the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard.
The queen and princesses serve as ambassadors for the Indianapolis 500 and participate in Festival and race events.
Events leading up to the Indianapolis 500 are:Taking place at the track:500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard (also called the Mayor's Breakfast)Opening Day featuring The Celebration of AutomobilesPractice for the raceFast FridayPole Day QualificationsArmed Forces Bump Day500 Festival Community DayQualifications for the Firestone Freedom 100Miller Lite Carb DayLegends Day at the Indy 500IPL 500 Festival Parade (on the eve of race day)The running of the Indianapolis 500Victory Circle CelebrationSome events that take place away from the track:500 Festival Princess ProgramThe Mini Marathon RaceIndy 500 Golf Outing500 Festival Memorial ServiceRegion's 500 Festival Snakepit Ball (the night before the race)
The popular Indianapolis 500 is very similar to the Daytona 500. The Indianapolis 500 is a 500 mile race in which the people who are racing drive in cars.
Ethanol is the fuel used in the Indianapolis 500.
Dario Franchitti was the winner of the 2012 Indianapolis 500.
The IRL's Indianapolis 500 is 200 laps in length.
Events leading up to the Indianapolis 500 are:Taking place at the track:500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard (also called the Mayor's Breakfast)Opening Day featuring The Celebration of AutomobilesPractice for the raceFast FridayPole Day QualificationsArmed Forces Bump Day500 Festival Community DayQualifications for the Firestone Freedom 100Miller Lite Carb DayLegends Day at the Indy 500IPL 500 Festival Parade (on the eve of race day)The running of the Indianapolis 500Victory Circle CelebrationSome events that take place away from the track:500 Festival Princess ProgramThe Mini Marathon RaceIndy 500 Golf Outing500 Festival Memorial ServiceRegion's 500 Festival Snakepit Ball (the night before the race)
Community Day is a day during the Indianapolis 500 Festival when the public can drive a lap around the track in their own vehicles and get autographs from the drivers who will be competing in the race.
The popular Indianapolis 500 is very similar to the Daytona 500. The Indianapolis 500 is a 500 mile race in which the people who are racing drive in cars.
The Indy 500 Breakfast at the Brickyard is an Indianapolis tradition that celebrates the success of the Indy 500. It takes place at the track the morning of Pole Day. Distinguished guests are mayors from around the state. The 33 500 Festival Princesses also attend the event. The Indianapolis 500 Queen is crowned at this event. In 2012, special guests are Indy 500 legends Parnelli Jones and Tom Sneva. For more Indy 500 events, visit the Related Question.
Ethanol is the fuel used in the Indianapolis 500.
The State of Indiana hosts the Indianapolis 500.
The Indianapolis 500 car race is held in Indianapolis, Indiana every Memorial Day weekend.
Kenny Brack won the 1999 Indianapolis 500.
Dario Franchitti was the winner of the 2012 Indianapolis 500.
Johnny Rutherford won the 1974 Indianapolis 500.
The Indianapolis 500 is held on the Memorial Day weekend.
Dario Franchitti was the winner of the 2012 Indianapolis 500.