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INDY 500: Cheever Eighth in Day Five of Indy Practice

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

May 11, 2001

Indianapolis, Ind. (May 10, 2001) -- Eddie Cheever Jr. was once again quickest of the Infiniti stable today, lining up eighth on the speed charts with a 222.021 mph lap. Cheever drove a total of 50 laps today on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the fifth day of practice for the Indy 500.

Driving only 19 laps, in the heat of the day, Robbie Buhl was 15th fastest at 221.136 mph. Scott Goodyear showed off his new Thermos Grill2Go sponsor livery on his Infiniti-powered car today, driving the 18th fastest lap of the day at 220.420 mph.

Practice for the Indianapolis 500 on May 27 continues tomorrow from Noon to 7 p.m. (EDT).

QUOTES

Eddie Cheever Jr., No. 51 Excite@Home Dallara-Infiniti: "We experimented with a bunch of things over the last few days trying to fix how the #51 Excite@Home Infiniti handled in turn one, but not only did we not fix it, we totally destroyed the car's balance. One hour before the end of practice today, we finally made some positive changes."

Scott Goodyear, No. 52 Thermos Grill2Go Cheever Indy Racing Dallara-Infiniti: "It was great to have Thermos Grill2Go join the Cheever Indy Racing team today. We encountered a few electrical gremlins on our #52 Thermos Grill2Go car, but the guys have done a great job of fixing them as we go. We lost some time and a bit of speed since the other day, so we're working on how to get it back tomorrow."

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS

1 2T Ray, Greg D/O/F 40.0815 224.542 10 67.1158 134.097 11 In Pit
2 66 de Ferran, Gil D/O/F 40.2542 223.579 29 40.2542 223.579 29 In Pit
3 35T Ward, Jeff G/O/F 40.2808 223.432 32 81.0424 111.053 48 In Pit
4 33 Stewart, Tony G/O/F 40.3247 223.188 33 762.6142 11.802 72 In Pit
5 33T Stewart, Tony G/O/F 40.3251 223.186 5 534.8035 16.829 14 In Pit
6 5 Luyendyk, Arie G/O/F 40.3571 223.009 18 68.7820 130.848 19 In Pit
7 39 Andretti, Michael D/O/F 40.3720 222.927 75 77.9679 115.432 76 In Pit
*8 51 Cheever Jr, Eddie D/I/F 40.5367 222.021 49 42.6354 211.092 50 In Pit
9 68 Castroneves, Helio D/O/F 40.5413 221.996 24 40.9769 219.636 46 In Pit
10 44T Vasser, Jimmy G/O/F 40.5428 221.988 8 522.2909 17.232 18 In Pit
*15 24T Buhl, Robbie G/I/F 40.6990 221.136 6 576.7953 15.603 19 In Pit
*18 52 Goodyear, Scott D/I/F 40.8311 220.420 22 42.5275 211.628 68 In Pit

TEAM NOTES

Thermos Grill2Go to Sponsor Scott Goodyear at Indianapolis 500

Thermos Grill2Go, built by Char-Broil, is proud to sponsor Scott Goodyear's #52 Thermos Grill2Go Cheever Indy Racing Infiniti for the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500, Char-Broil CEO Tim Horne announced Thursday.

"Char-Broil has been interested in getting involved with motorsports for a number of years," explained Horne. "With Thermos Grill2Go and the opportunity to support the Cheever Indy Racing team at the Indy 500, Char-Broil saw this as an excellent vehicle to support its leading position in the outdoor grill industry. Auto racing and tailgating go hand-in-hand, and Thermos Grill2Go is a product that helps bring these two American pastimes together."

"I'm very excited and pleased that Thermos Grill2Go has joined us for the world's biggest motor race, the Indianapolis 500," said two-time Indianapolis 500 runner-up Scott Goodyear. "My family and I will certainly have use for a product like this, as will the numerous fans who watch our sport across North America."

Thermos Grill2Go, built by Char-Broil, is the most versatile grill in history. Take it tailgating, camping or barbecue in your own back yard. Cook anything from steaks on the grate to eggs on the griddle. For a closer look at the Thermos Grill2Go, please visit the Cheever Indy Racing garage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Text provided by Heather Handley

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