Make your plans to attend the 2002 US Grand Prix with JAGIN & JCNA !

Picture Jaguar Racing -Getty Image

At the end of September 2002 JAGIN had the pleasure of hosting JCNA members from around the country to watch Eddie Irvine move from a starting place of 14th to 5th overall in the Second Annual US Grand Prix. It was an exciting end to a fun-filled weekend! The weather at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway couldn’t have been better – sunny blue skies and 70s for the entire afternoon. And Jaguar’s team didn’t disappoint as they managed their second finish in the points for the season.

Jaguar Racing was well represented in the "G" section at the southeast end of the track, just off 16th street in the historic race track. From there we watched the cars come off the F1 road course and onto the fabled short-chute of Indy, while they whipped around what was effectively a large sweeping curve emptying onto the main straightaway. We were treated to that rare occurrence in F1 racing, cars overtaking each other, as cars shot around what is known as "turn One" in Indy parlance. Of course, since this is Formula One, the cars were heading the wrong way around the track, but they seemed to manage all right.

JAGIN members Diane and Rich Foster, Tom Silnes, Mark Smith and daughter Xona, Steve Jones, Cliff Burk, John Vanderwerp and Melissa Brown, and assorted guests gathered in reserved parking the morning of the race and ate breakfast in shifts at the Brickyard Crossing restaurant near the track. Several JCNA members from clubs in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois joined the Indiana club in a block of tickets to watch the race. With Jaguar Racing flags in hand we made our way into the stands to show support to the team from Britain. Of course, we were outnumbered badly by the red Ferrari flags waving everywhere, and it was sweet when Ferrari’s team eventually fell back to mechanical problems, and Mika Hakkinen took the checkered flag for McClaren, in what was likely his last appearance racing in America.

JAGIN Secretary Cliff Burk leads the troops in the grandstand in 2001

Given the events of September 11, there were appropriate ceremonies to honor the victims of terrorism, and the heroes of the Fire and Police forces who went to the rescue. The Indiana special response team was honored and driven around the track before the race to the cheering and appreciation of the 150,000+ fans. John Mellencamp even made an appearance with the Butler Choir.

The afternoon before the race was spent in the company of many of our JAGIN members at the reception and Classic Jaguar Display at St. Richard’s School in Indianapolis. Gary Bartlett brought over a new Jaguar X-TYPE and gave rides around the streets of Indianapolis. Many who rode were impressed with the Sport model’s performance and ride comfort – the new ‘baby’ Jag seems to be a hit! Newly elected JCNA President Gary Hagopian joined the festivities and shared in the multi-club spirit of the event. A number of E-types and XK sports cars were on hand to welcome Jaguar Racing back to America, and JAGIN members enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of fine automobiles and company.
 
Make your plans to attend the 2002 US Grand Prix!

We look forward to Jaguar’s continued progress in Formula One racing. JAGIN is building a more public event to promote the club and Jaguar Racing this year. For 2002 we’ve arranged a block of 100 tickets made available to JCNA members. The race is scheduled for Sunday September 29. Tickets are $75 each and located in the South East Vista high enough to be able to see a good portion of the road track and the "short-chute" leading into the main straightaway. Reserved parking near the track is also available for an additional $20 charge.

JAGIN will also be sponsoring a classic Jaguar display on the circle in downtown Indianapolis with a reception in the Columbia Club – Indianapolis’ oldest and most prestigious club. Ticket orders are being takenright now and are going very fast so act quickly to be able to share in the excitement of Jaguar Racing in the US!

Anyone interested in attending to contact Tom Slines (317-247-1797) to order tickets and recommending hotel accommodations.

Week end schedule and information

Friday, 27 Sep - No host dinner at Union Jack restaurant.

Saturday, 28 Sep - Jaguar Display & Reception

Reception

JAGIN has reserved the Columbia Club on the circle, Indianapolis’ oldest and most prestigious club, from 3 PM to 8 PM EST Saturday afternoon and evening. JAGIN is arranging a car display on the circle (1/2 of the circle will be blocked off for our use) where approximately 20 - 30 classic Jaguars will be on display. A charge of $5 per person will be made, with the fee waived for anyone bringing a Jaguar for the display. Gary Hagopian, the president of JCNA, will be in attendance, along with a number of members from the local and regional clubs. Hors D'oeuvres will be provided for the reception along with a cash bar.

Classic Jaguar Display

Our focus for this year will be Jaguar's performance and racing tradition. To this aim, we will concentrate on sports, racing, and performance models for the display. Our local club will be able to provide a number of unique models, as listed below :

Classic Sports Cars : SS-100, SS-1, XK120 FHC, XK140 FHC, XK150 FHC
Racing and special interest models : D-type, XK-SS, XJ220
Classic Sports and Performance Saloons : E-type S1 OTS, E-type S3 OTS, XJ12, MK II, XJ-S H&E convertible
Modern Performance Coupes and Saloons : XK8, XKR, XJR, S-TYPE

We are also inviting local Jaguar dealers to participate by providing a car for display, preferably a high-performance 2002/2003 model. Jaguar Racing is also encouraged to participate, if possible.

Jaguar City Cruise

Beginning at approximately 6:45 PM, the downtown streets of Indianapolis will be available for an escorted Jaguar Cruise beginning from the Circle and ending back at the circle. The cruise will last from about 7 PM to 8 PM. Route to be determined.

Sunday, 29 Sept - F1 Race

We will also have a tail-gate party before and after the race for anyone interested in the parking lot ($20/car) across from the main entrance to the track on 16th St. Tickets at $75 each are available in the JAGIN block located under the battle flags in the southeast Vista (turn 12). high enough to be able to see a good portion of the road track and the "short-chute" leading into the main straightaway.

See www.usgpindy.com for track details.

Contact Tom Silnes at (317) 247-1797 for tickets, Union Jack time/location, and hotel info. (Sorry, no email address.)

JCNA President Gary Hagopian (right) attended the display and reception the day before the race and met with JAGIN President Steve Jones (left) and VP Mark Smith (center)

 

Posted: 7/25/2002