I think this could be the reason. This event takes place in the same place the dinners do.
From
www.wdwig.com
IRL Championship Celebration to take Place At
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
INDIANAPOLIS --The stars of the IRL IndyCar Series and Infiniti Pro Series will travel to Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort on Oct. 25, 2003 for the annual Indy Racing League Championship Celebration, league officials announced July 4.
The invitation-only event, themed "Magical Moments of the Indy Racing League," will take place in Epcot's World ShowPlace, the largest dedicated group facility ever created inside a theme park.
"Walt Disney World is a unique venue in which our teams and sponsors can relax and celebrate the 2003 season," said Tony George, Indy Racing League president and CEO. "Specifically, Epcot World ShowPlace will provide the setting for a magical evening.
"Everyone that travels with the league deserves time at the end of the season to get away from work, enjoy great company and reflect on the season. Traveling to different destinations each year to honor our champion is a unique way to celebrate the season. I have no doubt that Orlando will make for one of the more memorable stops for the celebration."
Orlando, Fla., is the fourth city the Indy Racing League Championship Celebration has visited this millennium. In 2000, the champion was crowned at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis. The following year the celebration took place at The Speedway Club in Fort Worth, Texas, while last year the event was staged at the House of Blues in Chicago.
From 1997-99, the awards ceremony took place in Indianapolis, home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League corporate office.
"Once the final checkered flag is waved on another exciting Indy Racing League season, Walt Disney World Resort will provide an ideal location for the IRL to honor its top drivers during the Championship Celebration event," said Phil Lengyel, vice president of Alliance Development for Walt Disney World Resort. "We look forward to welcoming the best open-wheel drivers and their teams back to Walt Disney World to celebrate the IRL season and to enjoy our latest, most thrilling attraction, Mission: SPACE at Epcot."
Drivers, teams and sponsors will experience a social atmosphere during the awards ceremony, which will be highlighted by the presentation of the IndyCar Series Championship Cup and $1-million bonus to the IndyCar Series championship-winning team and driver. Afterward, guests will be treated to a surprise, Disney-style finale.
The celebration will be broadcast on a tape-delayed basis, with air time and date to be announced later.
World ShowPlace
World ShowPlace is a 40,000-square-foot facility located within Epcot World Showcase. World ShowPlace is equipped to accommodate 3,800 people for receptions or more than 2,400 at seated banquets. The pavilion features an on-site banquet kitchen and a separate backstage entrance with a private guest arrival area. With ceiling heights measuring up to 44 feet, World ShowPlace can accommodate a spectacular array of themed décor and entertainment
