Jim GuthrieBirthdate: September 13, 1961, Gadsden, Ala. Residence: Albuquerque, N.M. Ht./Wt.: 5-8, 150 Marital Status: Married (Missy) Children: Sean, Kayla IRL Races: 6 1996 IRL Rank: 21 1996 Prize Money: $206,453
Jim Guthrie was born September 13, 1961, in Gadsen, Alabama. He has a varied background in motorsports. He began his career competing in amateur motocross events. He moved to motorcycle road racing in 1981, winning the amateur superstock race on a road course at Phoenix. He made his professional driving debut in 1986, in the Jim Russell Mazda Pro Series, finishing ninth at Laguna Seca and tenth at Phoenix. From 1989 - 1991 he raced Speedway karts in the International Karting Federation's regional events. He earned Rookie of the Year honors in the late model division at Duke City Speedway in Albuquerque. The next year, he moved to USAC's Formula Ford Series, where he flourished. In 1994, he set track records at Phoenix in a SCCA double national event. He finished third in Hooters USAC Formula Ford 2000 Pro Oval Series point standings that year as well.
Guthrie made his Indy debut in 1996. He started 19th, ran as high as 11th before being sidelined by engine problems after 144 laps. He finished his first race 18th. In his first season with the IRL (1996/1997), he was the sixth place finisher in Orlando - the event's highest finishing rookie. In March 1997, literally "bet the house" and beat all odds to win the Phoenix 200.
Indianapolis "500" Record (Passed Driver's Test 1996)
Car Speed Qual Laps Laps Speed or
Year Name Rank Speed SP FP Comp Led Reason Out
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1996 Team Blueprint Racing 33 222.394 19 18 144 -- Engine
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Total: 1 Race 144
1996-97 IRL Season Results
Event FP SP Laps Reason Out IRL PTS Prize Money
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True Value 200 23 19 0 Accident 12 $32,000
Las Vegas 500K 13 19 182 Running 22 $20,000
Indy 200 6 9 148 Running 29 $63,250
Phoenix 200 1 2 200 Running 35 $170,100
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