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NorthernLight IRL: Harrington back on track with Nienhouse at Las Vegas

10 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

LAS VEGAS- 1999 Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year Scott Harrington will make his season debut at the Vegas Indy 300 with Nienhouse Motorsports, team owner Bob Nienhouse announced.

Harrington, from Indianapolis, will drive the #17 Nienhouse Motorsports Racing Special Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone for the rest of the season, starting April 22 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. American Hotel Register Company will continue as the teams primary sponsor. "Scott is a dedicated driver that has spent his entire life in pursuit of the podium," Nienhouse said. "I know that he will give his all for the effort, and we will look forward to working with him in continuing the great success he had last year as Rookie of the Year."

The announcement also marks the reunion of Harrington with longtime partner Larry Nash, technical director and team manager for Nienhouse Motorsports. Nash prepared the LP Racing car that Harrington drove to a 15th-place finish in the 1996 Indianapolis 500. They also fielded the car that Harrington drove to the 1992 Shelby Can Am pro series title, posting that series most consecutive victories, most victories in a single season and most career victories. They worked on Harringtons winning program on the Formula Atlantic circuit and were even with him in the early stages of his four-wheeled career when he was winning Sports Renault events after being a motocross champion.

"Its not like this is a new effort where you have to get to know everyone, this is more like coming home," Harrington said. "Larry and I have had success in every series weve run together beginning way back when with Spec Racers.

"I couldnt be more pleased with the opportunity that Bob has pulled together. We have the right equipment with the new 2000 Dallara, the right people, and a terrific sponsor in American Hotel Register Company. I believe we will have a great shot at putting a mark in the win column this season."

Harrington scored 165 points - best among rookies - to finish 14th overall in the Indy Racing driver standings in 1999. He recorded four top-six finishes in eight starts last year in his family-owned Harrington Motorsports entry, including a career-best fifth at Phoenix.

"We are looking forward to working with Scott again," Nash said. "Scott is the best all-around driver that I have ever worked with from pit exit to checkered flag. It will be a pleasure to have this opportunity in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series."

Nienhouse Motorsports made its season debut at the MCI WorldCom Indy 200 in March at Phoenix, with rookie Niclas Jonsson finishing 21st in the teams entry.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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