INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Donald has dumped himself from the Indianapolis 500.

Donald Trump said Thursday that he will not be driving the celebrity pace car in the May 29 race. He says “he may be announcing shortly his intention” to run for president and therefore it would be “inappropriate” to drive the pace car. He also said it would be impossible to fulfill the required practice sessions with his busy schedule.

Race organizers selected real estate mogul as the celebrity pace car driver a month ago. He then created a stir by questioning whether President Obama was born outside the United States, drawing criticism from race fans and others who said he is too divisive.

Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer, says Trump’s replacement will be announced later this month.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.