2011 IZOD IndyCar World Championship
The 2011 IZOD IndyCar World Championship was the final race of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar series schedule. The event took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Clark County, Nevada on October 16, 2011. The race was stopped following a major accident triggered by drivers trying to avoid light contact between Wade Cunningham and James Hinchcliffe. 15 cars were involved in the wreck, which resulted in the death of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and 2005 series champion Dan Wheldon. After a delay of over two hours, IndyCar decided to abandon the remaining 188 laps after word of Wheldon's death was relayed to the drivers, though the drivers did complete a five-lap salute in honor of Wheldon.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra also known as IPO, is a 75-member orchestra led by Stilian Kirov. It is the largest performing arts organization in the Chicago Southland, with administrative offices in Park Forest. It draws audiences from over 68 south and southwest suburbs including Chicago, Indiana and Michigan. From October through May, the Orchestra performs a seven-concert Saturday Evening Symphonic Series featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists. The Orchestra previously performed the concert series at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University. In 2008, the Orchestra moved the performance series to the newly opened Lincoln Way North High School in Frankfort Square. Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College became the Orchestra's main venue in 2017.
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is a member of the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.