INDY LIGHTS: PacWest Racing Notes, Texas Motor Speedway

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 29, 2001

DAN WHELDON - # 1 GEMSTAR PACWEST LIGHTS

Position: 10th (Contact) Laps: 53 of 67

Recap: Wheldon started his first Lights oval race from fifth position staying at the front of the pack for the majority of the race. Wheldon was able to battle his way to third position until he had contact on lap 53 with Townsend Bell coming out of turn four while battling for second place. The contact ended Wheldon’s race, walking away from the incident uninjured.

“I was following closely and trying to stay low and I had a lot of understeer, which wasn’t good,” said Wheldon. “I brought the car high again, and the car began to run much better, but Townsend Bell and I got too close and my front wheel touched the back of his car and sent me into the wall. It’s really a shame because we had such a good car and were in a good position to win the race.”

MARIO DOMINGUEZ - # 17 DEL VALLE CORONA TELEVISA PACWEST LIGHTS

Position: 6th (Contact) Laps: 66 of 67

Recap: Mario Dominguez began the race in sixth position consistently moving up the grid throughout the race. After a two-car accident brought out a full-course yellow on lap 53, Mario fell towards the back of the grid on the restart, but was able to catch everyone putting him back up to position three. On lap 66, Rudy Junco hit him from behind coming out of turn four sending him into the wall, ending his day.

“It’s really too bad I was hit on the last lap,” said Dominguez. “I had a great car and was definitely on the podium. After the yellow flag I fell behind a little, but was able to catch everyone and move up putting myself in a position to win the race. I was hit from behind with one lap to go and went right into the wall coming out of turn f our. I’m OK – it’s amazing how safe they’ve made race cars these days.”

Text provided by Tom Hollett

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery

.