Indy Racing car on Indiana Quarter.

An Indy racing car will grace Indiana's commemorative quarter scheduled for distribution in August 2002.

The quarter will feature an Indy Racing car imposed over the state, with a circle of 19 stars to the left side of the coin. The state flag also includes 19 stars in recognition of Indiana becoming the 19th state in 1816.

The state's motto, "Crossroads of America," also will be featured on the coin. Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon advised U.S. Mint Director Jay Johnson of his choice in a letter mailed July 19.

"We hope that all Hoosiers join our family in taking great pride that the design incorporating an Indy 500 car has been selected by Governor O'Bannon and the U.S. Mint as the new Indiana quarter," said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "It is a tribute to the vision of the founders of IMS and to those who have worked through the decades to build the Indianapolis 500 into a world-renowned event and one of our state's great institutions."

The Indianapolis 500, contested at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1911, is one of the most prestigious automobile race in the world. The event - the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world - and its open-wheel race cars and illustrious drivers have become synonymous with the state of Indiana.

"Indiana has a national reputation as a transportation hub," O'Bannon said. "People around the world know of Indiana because of the Indy 500, and people associated with the automobile industry know what an important role we play in the manufacturing sector.

"This design seemed to be the perfect way to merge part of our heritage with a sport we are famous for. Anyone who sees it should instantly think of Indiana."

The Secretary of the Treasury will endorse the selection after receiving O'Bannon's letter endorsing the design, and Mint artists then will proceed with the engraving process.

The Mint is issuing new quarters to commemorate each state in the order it became a state. The Indiana quarter will be the fourth of five coins scheduled for distribution in late 2002.

Already in circulation are quarters honouring Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia.