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Larger crowd means tighter security at this year’s Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An expected record-breaking crowd at this year’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 means that attendees should be ready for heightened security.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are encouraging attendees to arrive at least two hours earlier than they usually would due to the sold-out crowd and new security features.

The speedway’s senior director of safety and security says every person and vehicle entering the venue on Sunday should expect to be stopped and checked by security. All bags and coolers will be checked upon entry, vehicles will be randomly searched and license plates will be scanned.

The safety and security director says the number of public safety representatives, including police, medics and firefighters, will increase by 20 percent.

Officials expect about 350,000 fans to attend the race.