Northern Light IRL: Wattles retires as driver; To continue as owner
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 16, 2001STUART, Fla. - Veteran driver Stan Wattles announced June 14 that he is retiring from Indy Racing League competition effective immediately.
Wattles, who made 17 career starts in the Indy Racing League since its debut in 1996, will take an ownership role for the remainder of the 2001 Indy Racing Northern Light Series season. Wattles' Hemelgarn/Metro Racing plans to resume competition in July, and a new driver will be announced within the next few weeks.
"I came into this year with all the right stuff," Wattles said. "I had great equipment, an awesome team and the opportunity to compete for the reigning IRL champions, Hemelgarn Racing, but unfortunately the luck of racing was absent."
Wattles competed in the first three Indy Racing Northern Light Series events this season, posting a best finish of 12th on April 28 at Atlanta. A series of racing-related incidents throughout the first quarter of the season and failure to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 played a key role in Wattles' decision process.
"I've thought long and hard about retiring," Wattles said. "After having been beat up emotionally, physically and financially for long enough, it's time. I've got a wonderful wife, two adorable children and endless opportunities. I have nothing to prove. I love the speed, the balance and the skill that it takes to handle an Indy car. It's in my blood and always will be.
"But given the luck I have had in IRL competition, I think someone is trying to tell me that it's time to move on. The fun has definitely gone."
Wattles, from Sewall's Point, Fla., will continue to pursue race driving as a hobby. He plans to compete in sports cars and karts but will turn his primary focus toward his family and other business opportunities.
Holding black belts in the Korean martial arts of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Kum Ye Do, Wattles plans to open a martial arts school in the near future.
"I would like to take a moment to thank my team for sticking by me," Wattles said. "They are truly some of the best individuals I have ever worked with. Running under the Hemelgarn Racing banner was a wonderful opportunity, and I appreciate the support that Ron Hemelgarn, Lee Kunzman, Buddy Lazier and the rest of the Hemelgarn team gave me.
"The Indy Racing League is an exciting concept, one that allowed me the opportunity to compete in the Indy-car ranks. I want to extend my appreciation to Tony George and the entire Hulman-George family for developing such a series."
Text provided by Paul Kelly
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