INDY RACING: McGehee to show hometown pride in Cardinal's car

Atlas Van Lines also joins team as sponsor MADISON, Ill.-- Robby McGehee will show his allegiance to his favorite Major League Baseball team during his home race, the Gateway Indy 250 on Aug. 26 near St. Louis, as his car will carry a special paint scheme featuring the logo and colors of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals are participating in a one-race promotion with lifelong St. Louis resident McGehee and Cahill Racing for that event at Gateway International Raceway, located in Madison, Ill., just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. McGehee’s car, which will have Atlas Van Lines as its primary sponsor for the race, will be painted in the Cardinals’ white and red in honor of the association.

As part of the design, the top of each of the Dallara’s sidepods will carry stitching to make it look like a giant baseball.

“We’re pleased to support Robby McGehee in the Indy Racing event at Gateway International Raceway Aug. 26,” said Mark Lamping, president of the Cardinals. “We’ve been following him for some time now since he’s from St. Louis, and I know he’s a devoted Cardinals fan. I believe this promotional program is unique, and we’re delighted to be involved.”

Said McGehee: “I think it’s great that the Cardinals and Atlas Van Lines are getting involved, and I want to thank them for their support. I played baseball in high school, so I’m a big Cardinals’ fan. Having them associated with my racing program is a big thrill.”

An artist’s rendering of the Cardinals’ car was displayed on the large video screens at Busch Stadium during the Cardinals’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 18. McGehee, 1999 Bank One Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, tomorrow night, signed autographs at the game.

Atlas Van Lines also is a new sponsor for McGehee and Cahill Racing at this event.

“Atlas Van Lines is very pleased to be associated with both Robby McGehee and the Cardinals,” said Greg Hoover, vice president of sales for Atlas Van Lines. “I’m a huge fan of his, and we think he’s one of the best young driving talents around today.

“This particular promotion is being conducted not only by Atlas Van Lines at the corporate level but also by Atlas’ local agent, ABC Moving and Storage. Being involved with both Robby and the Indy Racing League represents an outstanding value to us.”

McGehee is 17th in the Indy Racing point standings despite missing two races due to a broken lower leg suffered in June at Texas Motor Speedway. McGehee, 28, recorded his season-best finish of fourth in the Harrah’s Indy 200 on July 21 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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