Northern Light IRL: Beechler and Salazar ready for racing action at PPIR

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 15, 2001

Eliseo Salazar arrived in Colorado Springs Sunday to work with his personal trainer Chris Carmichael, also the trainer of Lance Armstrong, the two-time Tour de France cycling champion. Carmichael Training Systems is based in Colorado Springs. Salazar's routine during race week is "low-intensity," which includes two to three hours of cycling a day. "I wanted to come in early so that I could get acclimated because of the higher altitude," said Salazar. "This week Chris and I have gone cycling together but it is nothing too strenuous." Salazar plans to attend a reception Carmichael is hosting Thursday night for his CTS business clients and local dignitaries, including the city's mayor.

Commenting on Pikes Peak International Raceway, Salazar said, "This race puts a premium on the car's handling. If you have a good car, you can pass anywhere. After the tight racing at Texas where you run two and three abreast lap after lap, this is a nice change of pace. You can pass with less risk. I also enjoy racing there because it is pretty flat more challenging which makes it more of a driver's track." Last year at PPIR, Salazar started 6th and finished 6th.

Salazar is second in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series point standings.

Donnie Beechler is one of several drivers who drove their motorcoach from Ft. Worth to Colorado Springs. Beechler, was "on assignment" for ABC-TV, taking home movies of the road trip for the Indy Racing pre-race show. Two flat tires and a brake job later, Beechler and family made it to the Springs Tuesday night.

"At this track, handling plays a much bigger part than horsepower," said Beechler of the nearly flat one-mile oval track. "Traffic is also more of a factor here. Some cars are handling well and some aren't. The track is a one groove track, it's not three lanes wide like Texas. There isn't much room to run side-by-side."

Last year at PPIR, Beechler was racing Scott Sharp for third lap when they came upon a slower Al Unser Jr. Sharp went low, Beechler went high outside of Unser but Beechler's left rear wheel clipped Unser's right front wheel entering turn one. They spun and crashed. However, Beechler still finished fifth in the race.

Text provided by Anne Fornoro

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