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NorthernLight IRL: Jason Leffler to Run Indy Open Test with Treadway Racing

6 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Indianapolis, IN: NASCAR Busch Series rookie candidate Jason Leffler is going to switch gears next week and increase his speed by participating in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series open test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a Treadway Racing prepared car. A former USAC star and a well-known face around the Treadway Racing shop, Leffler will take to the track on April 10th and 11th to get the feel for a 2000 G-Force as well as speeds over 200 mph.

Leffler's relationship with the Treadway Racing team began in 1998 when the young talent signed on to be the team's test driver and worked with Firestone during all season tire tests. Impressed with his abilities in an IRL car, Team Owner Fred Treadway continued the relationship and Leffler made his debut at the Walt Disney World Speedway for the IRL season opener in 1999.

"We are excited to see Jason back in one of our cars again," stated Treadway Racing's Vice President of Business Development, Scott Cronk. "Jason is an extremely talented and versatile driver as well as an excellent corporate spokesman. We are happy to see his career accelerating and the entire Treadway Racing team looks forward to working with him again next week."

During his IRL seat time over the course of the past two years, Leffler has logged over 830 miles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a Treadway G-Force. Overall he has run 2,549 miles under the team's guidance.

Due to a conflict with a NASCAR Busch Series event that Leffler will be running on April the 7th and 8th, the Indy Racing League has agreed to work with the Treadway team in scheduling his rookie test during veteran's practice next week.

Leffler is also pleased to be working with the Treadway team again, and is looking forward to his time on the yard of bricks. "I am excited to have the chance to go through my rookie test with such a strong team," he said. "I think Treadway is one of the best teams in the IRL paddock, so with their support and technical skills behind me-I hope to accomplish my dream of running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."

One of only three racers ever to win three straight USAC National Midget Championships, Leffler is currently driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in the #18 MBNA sponsored Pontiac, competing in all events on the 2000 NASCAR Busch Series schedule. He is currently 30th in the points and a strong candidate for the Raybestos Rookie of the Year honor.

Text provided by Ruthie Culbertson

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