Northern Light IRL: Indy Racing Northern Light Series Notebook

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Rutherford, Unser among featured guests at Homestead-Miami open house

INDIANAPOLIS - Indianapolis 500 legends Johnny Rutherford and Al Unser will have a special treat for fans during their visit to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the track's Infiniti Grand Prix of Miami Open House on Feb. 24.

Rutherford and Unser will give Pace Car rides around the 1.5-mile oval to fans who purchase their tickets for the Infiniti Grand Prix of Miami on April 6-8, the debut of the Indy Racing Northern Light Series in South Florida.

The Open House takes place during the official Indy Racing League Open Test at Homestead-Miami, which includes testing at speeds of 200 mph, an autograph session with many Indy Racing Northern Light Series stars, a contest for a trip for two to this year's Indianapolis 500 and other fun-filled activities for the family.

Pace Car rides for ticket buyers will take place from noon-1 p.m. (EST) Feb. 24. Fans who purchase tickets also will receive a T-shirt.

Rutherford is a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, while Unser is one of only three drivers to win The Greatest Spectacle in Racing four times. Rutherford now is in charge of special projects for the Indy Racing League. Unser is driver coach and a consultant to the league.

For additional information or to order tickets, call (305) 230-RACE, visit any Ticket Master Ticket Center or order online at www.homesteadmiamispeedway.

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Ongais honored: Indianapolis 500 veteran Danny Ongais became the first motorsports athlete to be inducted into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame.

Ongais, born on the island of Maui and raised in Honolulu, was honored Feb. 13 in Honolulu. He raced in the Indianapolis 500 11 times, with a best finish of fourth in 1979.

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Team owner ties the knot: Indy Racing team owner Jim Immke was married to Anna Andree Munger on Feb. 10 in Las Vegas.

The couple was married atop the Eiffel Tower at the Paris-Las Vegas Casino Resort.

Indy Racing Northern Light Series driver Tyce Carlson served as Immke's best man. Carlson's wife, Christine, was the maid of honor. Immke team manager Kenny Allison walked the bride down the aisle and gave her away to Immke.

Immke Racing is negotiating with various sponsors and hopes to announce its 2001 Indy Racing Northern Light Series plans soon, Allison said.

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On the road: Upcoming appearances by Indy Racing cars:

·Feb. 16: A Pennzoil Indy Racing car will be on display during "Career Day" at Tarwater Elementary School, Chandler, Ariz.

·Feb. 16-18: An Indy Racing Simulator Gamepod will be on display in the Texas Motor Speedway booth at "Ticket Stock 2001" in the Plano Centre, Plano, Texas.

·Feb. 17: A Pennzoil Indy Racing car will be on display from noon-1:30 p.m. (MST) at the Fiesta Mall RV Show, Mesa, Ariz.

Text Provided By Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.