This is a neat opportunity: Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Arie Luyendyk has been scheduled to drive the popular National Guard 2-seater for the Indy Racing Experience this weekend at the Walt Disney World Speedway near Orlando.
Luyendyk will be giving rides to the media and general public at the 1-mile tri-oval over a three-day span beginning Friday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m. The popular IndyCar Series legend will pilot the 2-seater Saturday and Sunday at the same time as well.
Luyendyk captured the Borg-Warner Trophy twice after winning "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 1990 and 1997. The Dutch driver also stakes claim to numerous speed records in the Indianapolis 500 and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. En route to his first Indy 500 win, Luyendyk set the race record for average speed at 185.981 mph. In 1996, a year before he claimed his second of three Indy 500 pole awards, Luyendyk qualified on the second day of time trials only to set the fastest 1- and 4-lap qualifying marks in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He raced around the hallowed grounds in a lap that reached 237.498 mph and posted a qualifying average of 236.986 mph.
Luyendyk, who is now retired, has also captured victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. Currently he helps mentor son Arie Luyendyk, Jr., another Indy Racing Experience driver who last year captured his first Firestone Indy Lights victory at Chicagoland Speedway.