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IRL: Metro Racing Systems and Stan Wattles Announce 1999 Plans

8 January 1999

TEAMWORK

Stan and Jill Wattles are very proud and excited about their newest team member. Gurdon Lucas Wattles born December 23, 1998 and weighing in at a healthy 9lbs 5ozs. Their daughter Caroline is quite excited about her new teammate and is looking forward to all future competition.

TECHNOLOGY

Metro Racing Systems will field both the Dallara and Riley & Scott Chassis for the 1999 season. The Dallara has been fitted with a '99 update kit.

Metro Racing Systems has also contracted KATECH as their Oldsmobile engine builder for '99. Tires will continue to be supplied by Goodyear.

TESTING

December 1 and 2, 1998
Metro Racing Systems and Stan Wattles were very encouraged with the testing performance of the Dallara at Phoenix International Raceway, but poor weather hampered a complete testing session.

December 11 and 12, 1998
At the Walt Disney World Open Test, the Dallara was fitted with the 1999 update kit. The results were 6th fastest times for both days and a more confident feeling in the Dallara's performance. "I am very pleased with the way the car handles. It has a lot of grip and is very comfortable to drive. It did not take much time to get running in a competitive manner. I look forward to the mile oval races now," said Stan. Metro Racing Systems will continue to be aggressive with their 1999 test schedule.

NEW PERSONNEL

Glen Blakely has been named the new Crew Chief. He comes from Dan Gurny's All American Eagles. His thirty years experience will help in the overall growth of the team.

Dale Nickos has been hired as the new Data Engineer. He worked with Sam Schmidt and LP Racing last year. His experience will be a positive asset for Metro Racing Systems.

Mike Milford will be the new Transportation Manager. He has worked with championship powerboat and hydroplane teams and is looking forward to the 1999 season in the Indy Racing League.

Edmund Dyjak has been chosen to head the Marketing Department. He comes from Sports Media Marketing, where he worked with the Miami Dolphins marketing players and working on player development. He is looking forward to developing Metro Racing Systems and Stan Wattles into household names.

Greg Wattles will remain as Team Manager and continue to formulate team chemistry until he is satisfied he has the winning formula.

John Baldwin will continue as Race Engineer. His thirty-five years of experience from Formula 1 to the Indy Racing League is the main component needed for championship performance.

The personnel for Lead Mechanic and Public Relations will be announced soon.

PROGRAM UPDATE

Metro Racing Systems will continue its Racing to Make a Difference program in cooperation with the National Center for Learning Disabilities. The program will increase its efforts to bring more awareness than ever to the problems and solutions of the learning disabled. Through charitable functions and the Public Awareness Events, 1999 promises to be a record year for the number of students reached by this program. The Pace Brantley Hall School in Orlando, Florida is the first school visit scheduled for 1999.