Mellencamp, Labelle to perform at USGP.

World famous recording artists John Mellencamp and Patti Labelle will take part in an exciting grid presentation during the pre-race ceremony at the United States Grand Prix this weekend.

Labelle will sing God Bless America, followed by Mellencamp performing Peaceful World, the first single off his new Cuttin' Heads album.

Labelle has had several hits worldwide including New Attitude, Stir It Up, On My Own and Somebody Loves You Baby, while Mellencamp, an Indiana native, has had several top ten hits, including Jack and Diane, Hurts So Good, Crumblin' Down, Lonely Ol' Night, Small Town, R.O.C.K. in the USA and Wild Night. His 1982 album, American Fool, went to number one in the charts.

The pre-race festivities, entitled 'United We Stand', will honour the international community as well as the United States and its heroes. Local firefighters will be honoured, and the American Cabaret Theatre will sing a patriotic medley. The Indianapolis Children's Choir will sing the national anthem.

More than 100,000 small American flags, supplied by event sponsor SAP, Bridgestone/Firestone and the Speedway and distributed to fans as they enter the grounds, will enhance the presentation.

In an unprecedented happening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, donations will be accepted at various locations throughout the grounds. All the money collected will benefit the Red Cross to help the victims of the tragedies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. To kick off the collection effort, SAP has already donated the first $100,000. The Red Cross is the official charity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.