Atlanta Motor Speedway Part of the Indianapolis 500?

	HAMPTON, Ga., Tuesday, April 24, 2001 - Strange as it sounds, many
of the drivers in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series consider Saturday
night's running of the Atlanta 500 Classic as part of the Indianapolis 500.
	The April 28 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is the final event
preceding the Indianapolis 500, so it takes a special position in the
schedule as the last opportunity drivers and teams have to test their
vehicles in a competitive situation. But what can be found in Georgia on the
24 degree, high-banked oval that can be taken to the flat track of the
Brickyard?
	In short -- momentum. 
	"Atlanta is probably the most important lead-in to Indy," said Buzz
Calkins, 1996 Indy Racing co-champion. "You will get all of your momentum
from Atlanta, either positive or negative momentum. If it is negative, then
that will affect you the first few days at Indianapolis, at least. If it is
positive, you can carry that all month long."
	"I'm telling everyone on my team to just consider Atlanta part of
the Indianapolis 500," said Eddie Cheever Jr., 1998 Indianapolis 500
champion. "It is vital. We need more power, better aerodynamics, better
driving and more focus. It is a very good way to focus on the (Indianapolis)
500."
	The 2000 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter, Greg Ray, concurs. 
"Though the tracks (Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway)
are very different, a win, good pit stops, or a pole position right before
the Indy 500 certainly is a great enthusiasm builder for the team. The guys
work so hard, but it is possible to build that momentum and build that
confidence. When you get right to the end of the rope, and you are really
doing things that are important -- confidence and rhythm and momentum --
then all those things pay big dividends. We definitely want to come away
(from Atlanta) with a good weekend."
	One driver who knows how important the final race leading to the
Indianapolis 500 can be is Al Unser Jr., two-time winner at the Brickyard
(1992 and '94).
	"Atlanta is a very big event for us because we want to have good
momentum going into the Indianapolis 500," Unser said. "I finished well here
last year (third), and I really like the track configuration. It is very
conducive to wheel-to-wheel racing, and I think the fans are going to see an
unbelievable show. Of course, racing at night is always fun for the drivers
and the fans, and I am looking forward to the entire event."
	Several other Northern Light Series drivers echoed Unser's
enthusiasm about Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track where the 220-mph draft
plays a key role deciding who visits victory circle.
	"I love the high-banked tracks like Atlanta," said Scott Sharp, the
other 1996 Indy Racing co-champion. "In the past we haven't always had the
most power, but it's been clear evidence that no matter where you qualify,
if you have a car that will draft well you're going to have a good race. I
love those tracks and what the draft does for our cars. You really alter
your strategy. Instead of working on a car where you're trying to get the
most grip out of it and trying to get a car that's not so disturbed in
traffic, you really switch gears and start thinking about nothing but
drafting with guys and fuel strategy. Those are the two things that separate
you from someone else."
	"Atlanta is our version of Talladega, and you have to be extra
careful not to touch anybody," explains Eliseo Salazar, driver of the No. 14
Harrah's A.J. Foyt Racing Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone car. "When race time
comes, that is when the qualities come into play such as the drivers knowing
how to utilize the draft. It makes good racing for the fans, but I also
think the drivers are more aware of treating each other with respect and
that is why we have had some pretty good races."
	Though the track is well lit for a night race, the 7 p.m. (EDT)
starting time brings some special concerns for the drivers.
	"The biggest thing at Atlanta is not racing under the lights so much
as it is the sunset," explained Calkins. "The way the sun sets in Atlanta is
the biggest part. You start at dusk and end in the dark and that makes your
choice of visor -- clear or tinted -- important. You have to decide when to
see."
	"My biggest concern is the start of the race," says Felipe Giaffone,
driver of the No. 21 Hollywood G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone vehicle. "I
understand the sun will be setting at the start and that I will be looking
directly at it coming down the frontstretch into Turn 1. That might get a
little tricky, but hopefully I will have a chance to work on it during the
practice session."
	But once the lights are on, Ray claims the spectators are in for a
treat.
	"It's like an amphitheater," he said of Atlanta Motor Speedway.
"You're seeing a Las Vegas show unfold in front of your eyes. It is really
more of a 300-mile sprint race. You find yourself pretty flat-out and very
aggressive in traffic protecting your track position."