Indy 500 field visit NYC.

In what has become a popular part of the Indy 500 tradition, the 33 starting drivers of this years Indianapolis 500 made a whirlwind stop in New York City on Monday as the hype surrounding next Sunday's race gets into full swing.

Flanked by the Borg-Warner Trophy, unveiled in New York in 1935, and an IndyCar Series show car, and with the familiar midtown Manhattan skyline as the backdrop, the 33 drivers that will comprise the starting line-up for the 90th Indianapolis 500 lined up in the traditional 11 rows of three for a formal photo on the flight deck of SS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the floating museum moored on the Hudson River.

In proclaiming it "Indianapolis 500 Day in New York City," New York City Sports Commission commissioner Ken Podziba said, "it truly is an honour to welcome the great and heroic drivers who will compete in the 90th Indianapolis 500 to our city. It, like this ship, is truly an American classic."

Indy Racing League founder and Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George presented Podziba an IndyCar Series replica front wing/nose assembly signed by all the drivers.

"I don't know if I should show Mayor Bloomberg; he would want to hang it in his office," Podziba said.

George also presented a signed wing/nose replica to Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum executive director Susan Marenoff.

"Since 1911, we have run the race on Memorial Day Weekend, and we always take time to honour and celebrate the men and women who serve our country," George said. "This ship is a place of honour for those who have served and are serving our country."

Earlier in the day, George rang the bell to open the New York Stock Exchange. Laura George, Michael and Marco Andretti and the front row for the '500' of Sam Hornish Jr., Helio Castroneves and Dan Wheldon joined him on the platform.

Drivers toured the trading floor, and posed for a formal photo outside the Wall Street institution with an Indianapolis 500 Pace Car and Marco Andretti's #26 NYSE backed Dallara-Honda.

Jerry Putnam, president of the NYSE Group, presented each driver and Tony and Laura George with a commemorative medallion. Tony George presented Putnam and Catherine Kinney, co-chief operating officer of the NYSE Group with a replica nose/wing assembly signed by all the drivers.

"I can't wait for the race," Putnam said. "I'll be there Friday ready to kick off the weekend in style."