Family Death Forces Mayweather To Withdraw
By Eric Powell
indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
1992 Olympic gold medalist, popular professional figure skater and recent "Dancing with the Stars" winner Kristi Yamaguchi will wave the green flag to start the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25.
As the first female honorary starter in Indianapolis 500 history, Yamaguchi will send the elite 33-car starting field into the quest for the checkered flag and racing immortality. The race will be broadcast live at 1 p.m. (ET) on ABC, the IMS Radio Network and XM Satellite Radio.
Yamaguchi replaces world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. as honorary starter after Mayweather was forced to relinquish his role due to a death in his family.
"Unfortunately I will not be able to attend this year's race due to the loss of my uncle," Mayweather said. "I wish all the drivers the best, particularly my friend Helio Castroneves, and hope that everyone has a safe race, too."
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- Mon, Dec, 30th - 1912 Indy Flashback: Heartbreak for DePalma; Dawson Wins
- Mon, Dec, 30th - IMS Museum To Offer Unique ‘Behind The Scenes’ Tours In 2003
- Fri, Dec, 20th - Army Reserves Unit Recognizes IMS For Support Of Armed Forces
- Wed, Dec, 11th - Legends Help Unveil Indy 500 Wall Of Fame At L.A. Auto Museum
- Wed, Dec, 4th - George, Sicking Earn Prestigious SEMA Engineering Award
- Tue, Dec, 3rd - General Motors Honors IMS For Auto Racing Safety Leadership
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- Tue, Nov, 26th - Veteran Reporter Cadou Has Lifetime Of Memories From Speedway
- Wed, Nov, 20th - Rice Turns First Laps At Indy In Red Bull Cheever Test
- Thu, Nov, 7th - Green Named Director Of Public Relations For IMS
- Tue, Nov, 5th - IMS Photo Archive Preserves Images Of Racing Glory
- Mon, Nov, 4th - No Negatives In Job Of Top Speedway, Indy Racing Photographer
- Fri, Nov, 1st - Priceless Shaw Memorabilia Collection On Display At IMS Museum
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- Thu, Oct, 24th - Southwest Vista To Have Fresh Look In Time For 2003 Indy 500
- Wed, Oct, 16th - 500 Festival Parade To Air On ESPN In 2003
- Wed, Oct, 16th - IMS, 500 Festival To Put Art In Motion During May 2003
- Thu, Oct, 10th - De Ferran Completes First Toyota Test At Indy
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- Sat, Aug, 24th - Racing Provides Fountain Of Youth For Indy Veteran Kenyon
- Thu, Aug, 15th - Sharp, Scheckter Finish Successful Firestone Test At Indy
- Wed, Aug, 14th - Sharp, Scheckter Dodge Raindrops At Firestone Indy Test
- Thu, Aug, 8th - IMS, State, Federal Dignitaries Unveil Indiana Quarter
- Wed, Aug, 7th - Indianapolis 500 Veteran Crawford Dies At 54
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- Tue, Jul, 23rd - Larry Foyt Stays Busy In NASCAR While Eyeing Indy 500
- Wed, Jul, 3rd - Indy Racing League Team Green, Inc. Appeal Decision
- Wed, Jul, 3rd - George Upholds Castroneves’ Indy 500 Victory
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- Mon, Jun, 17th - Indianapolis 500 Appeal Heard June 17
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- Wed, May, 29th - New Customers Encouraged To Order Indy 500 Tickets