Many of the world’s finest classic and vintage automobiles will compete for the prestigious Road & Track Trophy, which will be presented for the first time at the second annual Celebration of Automobiles on Saturday, May 12 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Road & Track, published by Hearst Magazines, is the longest-running and most trusted automotive magazine brand in the United States.

Road & Track editors will select the winner of the trophy from the more than 200 vintage entrants at the second annual Celebration of Automobiles based on the car they would most like to drive or race. Participating in the judging will be Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Road & Track, and the magazine’s editor-at-large, John Lamm, among others to be announced at a later date.

“The Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway promises to be one of the premier events on the calendar for all automotive enthusiasts,” DeLorenzo said. “We are honored and excited to be a part of the opening weekend at Indy.”

For more than 20 years, Road & Track has presented awards at some of the world’s most highly acclaimed classic and vintage car shows, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and Gordon McCall’s Motorsports Revival.

“The addition of the Road & Track Trophy to our awards program at the Celebration of Automobiles will add tremendous prestige to a very special event at the Speedway,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “Road & Track is one of the most respected automobile authorities in the world, with a passionate readership that understands and appreciates the automobile. It’s only fitting that one of the magnificent cars in this year’s Celebration of Automobiles will be the first to win the Road & Track Trophy.”

The Celebration of Automobiles debuted last May at IMS, featuring nearly 200 classic cars from 1911-61 – including many award winners from Concours d’Elegance competitions at revered venues such as Pebble Beach and Amelia Island.

This year, a Vintage and Historic Car Show featuring some of the most beautiful and rare cars from 1920-70 once again will be the focal point of the Celebration of Automobiles, with an Emerging Tech Showcase also being integrated into the event. The new addition is an Automobile Festival featuring hundreds of current and late model vehicles on display in manufacturer-and model-specific groups inside the infield of the IMS oval.

The Celebration of Automobiles takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Opening Day of the 96th Indianapolis 500, with the new IZOD IndyCar Series car also making its IMS competitive on-track debut. All activities are included in public gate admission of $10, with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the 2012 Celebration of Automobiles, visit http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/celebrationofautomobiles.