Buhl Retires As Driver, Remains Co-Owner

INDIANAPOLIS April 23, 2004; Steve Herman writing for the AP reported that Robbie Buhl, one of the Indy Racing League's original drivers, has competed in his last race behind the wheel.

Buhl said Friday he is retiring as a driver and will focus his efforts as co-owner of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. A new team driver will be announced next week during testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Obviously, it's a tough decision," the 40-year-old Buhl said. "I've done it for a long time.

"It's nothing you necessarily plan for. I knew there was one day that would come along when I would decide it's time for me to no longer drive. It's definitely something I've been thinking about lately."

Buhl, a former Indy Lights champion, drove in 78 races since the IRL made its debut in 1996. The only others who have been in more races are Scott Sharp (85) and Buddy Lazier (83).

Buhl's only IRL victories were at Loudon, N.H., in 1997, and at Walt Disney World Speedway in Florida in 2000, and his best finish in eight races at Indianapolis was sixth in 1999. In three races this season, his best finish was 10th in the opener at Homestead, Fla.

"I would have liked to finish on a little different note, coming out of a race car after winning a race, but that scenario didn't play out," he told The Associated Press. "Right now I think I can be a greater asset to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and the future of this team being outside the cockpit versus being in it."

He said he and co-owner Dennis Reinbold hope to decide on a replacement driver by Sunday, a day before the annual Rookie Orientation Program at Indianapolis. The final open tests before the start of practice May 9 will be on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Indianapolis 500 is on May 30.

"We've contacted a couple guys and made inquiries, but nothing has firmed up," Buhl said. "I'm excited about those new challenges, but it's new territory for me, having driven race cars for the last 20-plus years."

Buhl's wife Becky was married to driver Scott Brayton, killed during practice at Indianapolis in 1996 after winning the pole position for the second straight year.