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Tony Kanaan Wins Indianapolis 500® Three Days Prior to Race
Codemasters declares virtual winner of Indy 500® using IndyCar® Series 2005 video game
Indianapolis, IN – May 27, 2004
–Tony Kanaan passed Scott Dixon to take the checkered flag in a pre-Indy 500
video game simulation conducted by Codemasters. The race took part in
celebration of the 88th running of the Indianapolis 500 and the upcoming release
of Codemasters’ video game, IndyCar® Series 2005, which ships for the
Xbox® video game system from Microsoft on June 22, 2004.
Kanaan took the lead on the last lap by passing Dixon on the outside in the
final turn. In the heart-pounding finish, it was a combination of precise
steering and advanced tactics that allowed Kanaan to overtake Dixon and scream
across the finish line. Like its predecessor, IndyCar Series 2005 is the
only next generation video game to feature the full IndyCar Series experience
along with all of its major circuits, including the “The Greatest Spectacle in
Racing” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“For IRL drivers, winning the Indy 500 is the ultimate dream,” said Tom Bass,
senior product manager, Codemasters. “We’ve re-created the race so accurately
that Tony Kanaan could very well be celebrating two victories in one week.”
IndyCar Series 2005 adds head to head 12 player online play via Xbox
Live, improved graphics, rear view mirrors and steering wheel support. The game
includes official IndyCar Series racing teams and drivers with up to 33 cars and
15 tracks, including the newly featured Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. Masterclass
training, narrated by Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year Dan Wheldon, and
accurate introductions made by ABC Sports commentators combine to give racing
fans the ultimate racing experience.
“IndyCar Series 2005 allows fans to get a taste of IndyCar Series action
first hand,” said Nicole Polsky, director of licensing for the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. “The game creates such a realistic experience that many of the
IRL drivers use it to keep sharp when they are unable to get on the track.”
ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a global interactive entertainment company with offices in
New York City, England, France, Spain, Holland and Germany. Founded in the UK
in 1986, Codemasters publishes award-winning software for the PC, next
generation video game consoles and online gaming. Codemasters develops original
titles such as Operation Flashpoint (PC Game-of-the-year) and TOCA Race Driver,
as well as games based on top licensed properties including American Idol, MTV
Music Generator and IndyCar Series. Additional information about Codemasters
and its products can be found at
www.codemasters.com <http://www.codemasters.com/>
.
ABOUT Xbox
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com <http://www.xbox.com/> ) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The new tagline, "it's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
ABOUT Xbox Live
Xbox Live, which launched in the United States Nov. 15,
2002, allows gamers to play multiplayer Xbox games with other gamers everywhere
via a broadband connection. With a built-in hard drive and Ethernet port, the
Xbox console is the only video game system built from the ground up for online
gaming, negating the need to buy additional, costly peripherals or upgrades.
Xbox Live enables gamers to easily find their friends; talk to other players
during game play through the Xbox Communicator headset; download current
statistics, new levels and characters to their Xbox hard drive; and play
online—all exclusive features to Xbox Live.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
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