A groundswell of pressure is starting to build on Indianapolis 500 officials to dump Donald Trump as pace car driver at this month's race.
A Facebook page has rallied more than 7,500 supporters who have placed calls or posted comments on social media sites of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, corporate sponsor IZOD and Chevrolet, sponsor of the pace car program.
They want Trump, well, fired.
"Driving the pace car should not be used as a sound board for some terrible businessman to spew his political aspirations," said racing fan Chris Hughes, Indianapolis. "Especially with this being the 100th anniversary."
Like many others, Hughes hopes IMS officials will find someone else, perhaps someone with historic ties to the race.
IMS announced April 5 that Trump would be the pace car driver, an honor that has been bestowed on legendary drivers and celebrities.
At the time, Trump was not a potential candidate for the Republican nomination for president.
http://www.indystar.com/article/201105040245/ENTERTAINMENT/105040329