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IRL: Pennzoil Panther Racing 'Pack' Notes

6 February 1999

Team Update--Panther Racing test driver Dave Steele and Panther "Pack" mechanic A.J. Davis will put their skills to the test at the 22nd Annual U.S. Tobacco Company Copper World Classic in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend. Steele will be looking for victory in the USAC Coors Silver Bullet Silver Crown Series and the USAC Midget races while Davis will be in the show for the USAC Midget race. Steele set the one lap track record in '98 with a time of 26.002 seconds for the USAC Silver Crown's at the Phoenix International Raceway and is looking to improve on that this weekend. Davis, in addition to full-time mechanic duties with the "Pack", also runs the NAMARS Midget Series where he finished 5th in overall points in 1998. Practice begins Friday; Qualifications are Saturday with the Feature Races for each class on Sunday.

*Team Update II- Panther lead mechanic, Brian Hornick, raced in the RCA Dome Invitational Kart Race on January 30th. Hornick was powered by a 5HP Briggs & Stratton, Smith Brothers Racing, White Chassis Kart sponsored by Pennzoil, The Gear Shed and Pedigo Chevrolet. Hornick started 20th in the heat race, ran as high as 3rd, then after getting caught in traffic and a crash finished 14th. In the feature race Hornick started 14th, ran in 6th then was hit from behind, damaging the tail pipe, but was able to hold on for a 6th place finish. Hornick has been racing Karts since 1993 in addition to his full time duties as lead mechanic for Panther Racing.

*Test Update--The "Pack" heads to Las Vegas for a Goodyear tire test on February 8th and 9th.

*Driver Update--Pennzoil Panther Racing Driver, Scott Goodyear will be appearing at the Atlanta Supershow on February 12th. Goodyear will be signing autographs from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Supershow is being held at the Atlanta Convention Center.

*Medical Update-Scott Goodyear's son, Michael, who took a tumble the evening before the Trans World Diversified Systems 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway and broke his arm has had a few setbacks. After arriving back in Indianapolis Michael was taken to a doctor at Methodist Hospital who found that the break was more severe. Michael had to have to have outpatient surgery last Thursday where 2 pins were installed. Michael's first request after surgery was to take the car through the car wash to "make his ouchy better". He is expected to make a full recovery.