Seven years after NASCAR went 3D at IMAX theaters, the great American race, the Indy 500, will be going 3D in October 2011 shortly after the 100th anniversary race at the speedway.
The Montreal-based Stephen Low Company is developing a new IMAX 3D documentary based on the famous race and the evolution of motorsports, according to an announcement at the website of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has endorsed the project and will consult on the content of the film and companion education outreach program, as well as provide access to the race track and facility.
Large format filmmaker Stephen Low, who produced and directed the popular 1997 IMAX film “Super Speedway,” featuring legendary IndyCar drivers Mario and Michael Andretti, will direct with his company producing and distributing in association with Ralph Hansen of Pegasus Marketing Group.
The first “500” took place on May 30, 1911.
“The film will create a memorable and lasting tribute to ‘The Racing Capital of the World’ and its many contributions to society,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO. 
“The planned timing of its release will provide a fitting conclusion to our 100th anniversary celebrations.”
The project is to be funded by producer investment and major corporate sponsors who will be a part of the worldwide brand presence on the film credits and in the content and marketing of the film, as well as through association with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500, the racing community and museums and science centers worldwide.
Low has directed more than fifteen giant screen films including the recent “Legends of Flight (3D)” and “The Ultimate Wave (3D),” as well as “Across the Sea of Time (3D),” “Mark Twain’s America (3D),” “Beavers,” “Titanica,” and “Fighter Pilot.”
— By Scott Hettrick