IRL: Treadway Racing Fields Two-Car Effort in Orlando
11 January 1999
Jason Leffler Makes IRL DebutIndianapolis: Jason Leffler, national USAC star, will be ready to run at the IRL season opener at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando on January 24 for Treadway Racing. As Treadway Racing's 1998 test driver, Leffler has already logged over 2500 miles in the G-Force/Aurora/Firestone Indy car.
Leffler will be joining teammate Sam Schmidt to run a two-car effort with a '99 G-Force/Aurora/Firestone package for the Orlando race. It has not been determined how many races Leffler will run, but Team Owner Fred Treadway is confident that funding will be reached to maintain his effort throughout 1999. "I have always been a great supporter of Jason," he said. "He is a very talented driver and has done an exceptional job for us in testing last year. He has been running very competitive speeds at the Orlando track during testing, so I am pleased to have him as a Treadway entrant."
Leffer, who won both the 1998 USAC National Silver Crown Championship and the Midget Championship, is excited to be offered this opportunity. "I couldn't be happier than to run in the IRL this year," he said. "Tony George, and the IRL have created an awesome opportunity for drivers like myself to fulfill our dreams. I guess I'll get to thank him personally in Orlando. I am really excited to become a member of the Treadway team. They have really extended themselves in finding opportunities within the IRL for me and I am looking forward to my first race!"
Earlier this week, Jason got his first look at the Orlando oval in the 1999 Treadway equipment during a private test. After running only two days, he made his mark by establishing an unofficial time of 21 seconds flat, which gives the team the fastest time on the track to date in the new formula IRL car. On January 24, look for him in the #5 Treadway Racing/G-Force/Aurora/Firestone entry as he sets his sights on the checkered flag for his first IRL event.