The 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 will be honored on a 2011 U.S. stamp that will be released in May 2011, has announced the Speedway.

"It's a great honor for the Indianapolis 500 to be featured on a United States Postal Service stamp," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer.

"The stamp recognizes the "500" as a vital part of American culture and is a wonderful addition to our celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the race in 2011."

Photo:Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The award-winning illustrator John Mattos created the stamp's image featuring Ray Harroun driving the Marmon "Wasp", the first winner of the Indianapolis 500, in 1911.

The stamp will read "Indianapolis 500, 2011, 100 Years of Racing" below the illustration.

Photo:Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Stamp subjects selected by the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee must stand the test of time, reflect the cultural diversity of the United States and have broad national appeal.

It is the second time the Marmon "Wasp" will be features on a stamp as it was also part of the Transportation series of 1987.