LADYDRAGON.COM - SAM HORNISH JR. CAPTURES INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHECKERED FLAG THREE DAYS BEFORE RACE BEGINS

Thursday May 22, 2003

SAM HORNISH JR. CAPTURES INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHECKERED FLAG THREE DAYS BEFORE RACE BEGINS

Codemasters declares virtual winner of Indy 500 using IndyCar Series video game

In a video game competition that ended in classic IndyCar Series fashion, Sam Hornish, Jr. earned his first virtual victory of the 2003 season. To celebrate the 87th running of the Indy 500 and the launch of the IndyCar Series video game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system on May 20, Codemasters conducted a pre-race simulation of the race in which Sam Hornish, Jr. emerged triumphant.

Hornish, Jr. passed two-time and reigning Indianapolis 500 champion, Helio Castroneves, with two laps remaining to win the ³Greatest Spectacle in Racing² in Codemasters¹ IndyCar Series video game. IndyCar Series is the first and only next generation video game to feature the full IndyCar experience along with all of its major circuits, including the ³Brickyard² Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dedicated versions for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and PC CD-ROM will be available this summer.

³Sam Hornish, Jr. is one of the hottest drivers on the racing circuit today,² said Steve Lux, senior vice president of marketing for Codemasters U.S. ³Sam utilized advanced tactics coming into the final stretch. A last minute adjustment to his fuel mix made for a sensational finish.²

IndyCar Series will include official Indy racing teams and drivers with up to 33 cars racing for the checkered flag, including the debut of Penske Racing, Inc. Enhanced with TV-style presentation and commentary, interactive crowd reactions, challenging and realistic AI components and exhilarating, heart-pounding tracks, players will encounter a true-to-life, authentic Indy racing experience.

³Codemasters¹ IndyCar Series video game captures the thrill and excitement of IndyCar racing and gives fans the opportunity to experience the sport firsthand in the comfort and safety of their own living rooms,² said Nicole Polsky, director of licensing for the IRL. ³The game provides an ultra-realistic look at what the real drivers will experience this weekend at the Indy 500.²

ABOUT INDYCAR SERIES

Codemasters¹ IndyCar Series is the first and only videogame to feature the full season and all of the circuits of the Indy Racing League. Exclusively licensed, and with the full backing and support of the sports governing body, IndyCar Series will capture the authentic driving experience with TV-style presentation and commentary. The game will feature interactive crowd reactions, challenging and realistic AI opponents, exhilarating tension-packed races, true-to-life physics and realistic damage models.