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Indy Lights: Casey Mears Receives Andretti Award

8 August 1999

        DETROIT, Mich. (Aug. 7, 1999) - - Casey Mears, driver of the
Dorricott Racing-prepared No. 30 Sooner Trailer/American Racing Custom
Wheels Lola, has been named the recipient of the 1999 Spirit of Mario
Andretti Award. The official announcement and personal presentation from
Mario Andretti was made during a gala reception at the prestigious Grosse
Point Yacht Club, Thursday, Aug. 5.

        Selected by a panel of PPG-Dayton Indy Lights Championship
officials and media members, the Spirit of Mario Andretti Award is annually
presented by Andretti to the Indy Lights driver that best exemplifies the
traits Andretti displayed during his legendary career.

        "It's an honor to be recognized and referenced in any category with
Mario Andretti," said Mears. "He remains the ultimate prototype of the
great race car driver. Hopefully I'll be able to live up to the honor and
continue to improve and advance my career in motorsports."

        Mears, who is son of off-road racing legend Roger Mears and nephew
of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, is the fifth recipient of
the Award. Previous winners include Affonso Giaffone (1995), Mark Hotchkis
(1996), Cristiano da Matta (1997), and Derek Higgins(1998).

        "The Award is evaluated by the standards that Mario placed on
himself as a competitor and as a professional," said Dorricott Racing team
owner Bob Dorricott. "Mario was one of the most intelligent and tactful
drivers that ever raced. His ability to make split second decisions without
compromising the integrity of his cars or teams played a key role in his
success. Casey is also an intelligent, well-disciplined driver with a
'never-give-up' approach to his racing. Casey is also cognizant of the
important role his teammates play which lends itself to building a unified
commitment between driver and crew."