Renowned fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, a huge racing fan, says the Indianapolis 500 is "one of the most significant events in the world."

He has been to the race a few times, and though he can't attend this year, he's already planning to be there in 2005.

"I think it's American racing at it's best," Hilfiger told TheIndyChannel.com on April 2, when he was publicizing his new H fashion line at the Lazarus-Macy's store in Indianapolis' Castleton Square Mall.

"I think the fact that we have (the 500) here in the United States, done as well as its done, really draws all sorts of different people," he said. "To me, it's one of the events of the world -- one of the most significant events in the world."

Hilfiger enjoys some of the pageantry associated with the event.

"One of the things that impressed me most was watching the state troopers ride on their motorcycles in a motorcade, and they all stood up on their Harleys," he said. "They stood up and they put arms out there, and the motorcycles were cruising. These guys were acrobats."

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