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NHRA: IRP Team Kendall Challenge Opener

26 February 1999

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind-- The 1999 drag racing season at Indianapolis Raceway Park will get underway on Saturday, March 13, with a "Test and Tune" day scheduled on the world-famous quarter-mile.

The first event in the 1999 Team Kendall Challenge, IRPs races in the nationwide NHRA Sears Craftsman E.T. Racing Series, is scheduled for the following day - Sunday, March 14.

Gates at IRP will open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, with technical inspection beginning at the same time, and test runs to begin at 10:00 a.m. The strip will be open for runs until 4:00 p.m.

Cost for the test session will be $10 per car and driver, with a $6 per person fee for spectators or crew members.

On the following day, gates will open at 8:00 a.m., with time trials scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. Registration and tech will close with the start of eliminations at 1:00 p.m.

Expected to defend their titles in the Team Kendall Challenge are Johnny Walker of Peru, Ind. in Super Pro; Matt Dakin of Coatesville, Ind. in Pro; Mickey Terry of Hillsboro, Ind. in Street; Pop Arthurs of Indianapolis in Motorcycle; and Joey Shipp of Whiteland, Ind. in Jr. Dragster.

IRP has posted an increased purse for the 1999 series, along with offering a non-electronics Nostalgia bracket for 1979 and older full-bodied cars running 7.50 and up. Competitors will be allowed to take part in the Pro bracket as well as Nostalgia, and the new category will not award any points.

Additional information may be obtained by calling IRP.