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IRL: Viking extends deal with Simon; Luyendyks son to make U.S. F2000 debut at Phoenix

25 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS - Viking Air Tools Inc. recently extended its sponsorship agreement of Dick Simon Racing in the Northern Light Indy Racing Series.

Stephan Gregoire drives the Dick Simon Racing-Mexmil-Tokheim-Viking Air Tools G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone in the series.

"We are very proud to extend our sponsorship with Dick Simon Racing," said Dale K. Elrod, president of Viking Air Tools, Inc. "We believe in Stephan Gregoire and Dick Simon, and we know that they are on the verge of their first victory."

Viking, based in Mooresville, Ind., is one of the leading manufacturers of air tools in the world.

"Counting Viking Air Tools among our 2000 sponsors is proof that more and more American recognized companies are interested in the Indy Racing League," team owner Dick Simon said. "People know the numbers are there, and its the right time to be a part of it.

"Viking Air Tools are the best air tools in the business, and Dale and Jeff Elrod and all the Viking personnel formed a great family whom I am happy to be associated with."

Arie Jr. to make U.S. F2000 debut: Arie Luyendyk Jr., son of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, will make his U.S. F2000 debut during the MCI WorldCom Indy 200 Northern Light Racing Series event March 19 at Phoenix International Raceway.

U.S. F2000 will be one of the series conducting support races that weekend at PIR, just a few miles from Luyendyks home in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Luyendyk, 18, graduated to cars from karts in 1998 and has competed in Formula Ford. He will drive a Van Diemen Ford fielded by Luyendyk Enterprises.

Like all U.S. F2000 drivers, Arie Jr. is eligible for the Career Options Package if he wins the season championship. The U.S. F2000 season champ will earn the package, which exceeds $100,000 in value and includes an Indy Racing League rookie test with A.J. Foyt Racing.

Many U.S. F2000 alumni have graduated to the Indy Racing League, including Sam Hornish Jr., Robby McGehee, Steve Knapp, Sam Schmidt and Jeret Schroeder.

Text provided by IRL

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