INDY 500: Vertex/Cunningham files entry for 85th Indy 500
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
March 24, 2001INDIANAPOLIS- Vertex/Cunningham Racing filed an entry March 23 for the 85th Indianapolis 500, with rookie Shigeaki Hattori as the driver.
Hattori, a native of Japan who lives in Hermosa Beach, Calif., will drive the #55 EPSON G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone, with an identical backup car entered. Jamie Nanny is the chief mechanic, and Ted Bitting is the team manager.
The 85th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 27. Entries must be postmarked by April 11. All drivers will compete for one of the 33 starting spots in the world's most prestigious auto race.
Hattori began his Indy Racing Northern Light Series career at the Casino Magic 500 last June at Texas Motor Speedway. He recorded four top-10 finishes in five starts last year, finishing 22nd in the series point standings.
Despite his veteran status in Indy Racing, Hattori is considered an Indianapolis 500 rookie. He passed the Rookie Orientation Program last April in a Treadway Racing car but did not drive in the event.
Text provided by Paul Kelly
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