The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Monday a slew of prerace events at Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 to thank the troops fighting in the war on terror.

Most importantly to racing fans downrange, there will be a two-way live feed of the race with Camp Victory in Iraq.

Retired Gen. Colin Powell, who will drive the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette convertible at the start of the race, will address troops overseas and fans as part of the prerace show.

In addition, family members of 43 Indiana troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan have been invited to attend the race, Speedway spokesman Paul Kelly said Monday.

Also, 6,000 people will hold up cards to send troops the “America Supports You” message.

Some 44 troops will get to “take a lap” in the back of pickup trucks, and 300 others from all services will march on the main straightaway, Kelly said.

Five thousand “America Supports You” dog tags will be sold on race day to raise money for the Indiana National Guard.

The Speedway hosted a different military event this past Sunday, when Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., administered the oath of enlistment to about 50 military recruits during an Armed Forces Day ceremony.