Former sanctioning body returns to Indy.

The American equivalent to Britain's AA or RAC service, the American Automobile Association is one of the countries oldest motoring organisations, one that is older than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself.

Once the sanctioning body of the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing,' AAA is once again part of the traditional month of May after an absence of more than half a century.

The organisation that sanctioned every Indy 500 from its inception in 1911 until 1955 is now the Official Auto Club, the Official Travel Agency and Official Auto Insurance Company of the Indianapolis 500.

"We're pleased that AAA is making a triumphant return to the Indianapolis 500," said Joie Chitwood, president and chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "While AAA's past involvement with the race cantered around the teams and drivers, this new affiliation is focused on benefiting the loyal fans who make the month of May at the Indy 500 one of the world's great events."

Because of AAA's sponsorship, AAA members will receive special benefits through the AAA "Show Your Card and Save" programme, including discounts on tickets to the Indianapolis 500, IMS-licensed merchandise and admission to the IMS Hall of Fame Museum.

"We plan to provide exciting new reasons for racing fans to join AAA and new benefits at IMS for current AAA members," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president, AAA Automotive.

The partnership also includes AAA signage at the Speedway, print and radio advertising and other promotional rights.

"The history of organised auto racing in America begins with the work of AAA and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911," Doney said. "Motorsports are a large part of our heritage, and we are proud to return to our historical roots at the Indy 500. Over the years, AAA has remained an advocate for the American driver, for improved traffic safety and for expanded leisure travel opportunities, yet we look forward to building on our racing legacy in a new era for AAA and IMS."

Individual AAA clubs have been involved in motorsports sponsorships over the years, but the Indianapolis 500 is one of the few motorsports events, and the only open wheel race, with which the national AAA organisation recently has formed a partnership.