INDIANAPOLIS -- Howie Mandel, judge on "America's Got Talent," the top-rated summer reality competition series on NBC, will serve as honorary announcer for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27.

On Race Day, Mandel will give the famous command, "All cars to the grid!" to start the countdown to the green flag. His signature humor will put a distinctive spin on a time-honored tradition executed for decades by the legendary "voice of the Speedway," Tom Carnegie.

"I'm very honored to be chosen to call the cars to the grid at this year's Indy 500 ... for the 10th time, this being the first time I've actually gotten to do it on site," Mandel said. "The fans, teams and drivers will be waiting for me to give the command. It'll be an experience of a lifetime that I'll never forget."

Said Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation: "This year is the start of the next 100 years for the most important race in motorsports. We're entering this new era with a reinvigorated sport that is intent on evolving with the times. Howie Mandel will bring a unique entertainment value to the race that elevates its profile in a non-traditional arena before potential new fans."

The 96th Indianapolis 500 airs on ABC at noon (ET) Sunday, May 27.

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2012 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2012 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.