Latin Singing and Acting Sensation Carlos Ponce Named Honorary Race Chairman
for the Toyota Indy 300 at the NEW Homestead-Miami Speedway

MIAMI (Feb. 24, 2004)—Latin singing and acting sensation Carlos Ponce has been named the Honorary Race Chairman for the Toyota Indy 300 IndyCar season opener on Sunday, Feb. 29 at the NEW Homestead-Miami Speedway. As Honorary Race Chairman, Ponce will greet each of the IRL IndyCar drivers as they are introduced during pre-race ceremonies and then ride along in the official pace car of the Toyota Indy 300.

-Carlos quote? “I’m very excited about the opportunity to be the honorary race chairman for the Toyota Indy 300,” Ponce said. “It’s going to be a thrill to take a pace lap around the track as well as to interact with drivers who race at speeds in excess of 200 m.p.h.”

To date Ponce has released four Spanish language albums that have reached the top of Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks including the latest compilation of his music in a GREATEST HITS album titled “La Historia”. He has appeared in three Spanish soap operas and also recently signed on as the latest personality to join the “Entertainment Tonight” family. With guest starring roles on the WB’s “7th Heaven”, ABC’s “Karen Sisco,” and previously in “Beverly Hills 90210, Ponce has secured his position as a singer, songwriter, producer, actor and emerged as an all-around entertainer within the Latin entertainment community.

“We’re honored to have such a versatile Latin entertainer like Carlos take part in the racing celebration we’re putting at the Speedway,” said Curtis Gray, President of Homestead-Miami Speedway. “With three action-packed races during the Toyota Indy 300 weekend, the greatest fans and fantastic weather, he’ll be at the center of a party like South Florida’s never seen before.”

The Toyota Indy 300 weekend kicks off with Toyota IndyFest Feb. 26 at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove. Race weekend will include the Grand Prix of Miami on Saturday, Feb. 28 and the Menards Infiniti Pro Series 100 as well as the Toyota Indy 300 on Sunday, Feb. 29.

For more information or to order tickets to Speedway events, call (305) 230-RACE or log on to www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com.

Media Contact: Arden Napier or Phil de Montmollin
305-230-5249 or PR@homesteadmiamispeedway.com