The Indy Racing Experience Hewlett-Packard and National Guard 2-seaters took to an unusual track Saturday, speeding down the runways at the Louisville International-Standiford Field Airport.

IRE, National Guard Shut Down Louisville Airport
The Indy Racing Experience and the National Guard shut down the Louisville airport Saturday to give 2-seater rides to 129 soldiers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2009) –When both hands of the clock struck 12 on Saturday afternoon, all eyes were focused on a rather impressive feat happening at the Louisville International-Standiford Field Airport.  You could sense something unique was about to happen.

Indeed it did.

For the next five hours, all planes were grounded on the near runway, yielding to the takeoff of both Indy Racing Experience 2-seat cars.

In an effort to establish an "operational template” to strengthen the bond between the IndyCar Series and the National Guard, the Indy Racing Experience teamed up with Panther Racing and the Guard to give 129 soldiers a ride in the popular 2-seat race car.

With special permission from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Indy Racing Experience raced its National Guard and Hewlett Packard-sponsored machines across the 2.0-mile airport circuit at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour in front of the Kentucky Air National Guard Headquarters.

Kentucky National Guard Adjutant General Ed Tonini voiced his appreciation for the Indy Racing Experience and Panther Racing on Saturday, saying both partnerships with the National Guard will help strengthen its tie to IndyCar racing.

“Today we were trying to build an operational template for States that don’t have race tracks and IndyCar races, so they can take and import this experience and this hands-on partnership with Panther Racing and the IRL.”

Indy Racing Experience co-owner Scott Jasek agreed.

“What we saw today in Louisville was proof of how our 2-seaters can connect an IndyCar team with its valued sponsor through a very unique experience,” Jasek said.  “Today’s rides provided members of the Kentucky National Guard with a lasting memory and our hope is to continue this program with the National Guard on its bases throughout the country.”

For a complete look at the Indy Racing Experience’s day at the Louisville airport, click here to view the photo gallery.  Click “Special Events” and then “Kentucky National Guard” for both rider and action photos.