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IRL: Treadway Racing Takes a Look at the Phoenix Oval

23 March 1999

Indianapolis, IN: Round two of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League Championship is at hand. After the shocking results from the season opener in Orlando, the Treadway Racing team has recovered and is eagerly anticipating the swift surface of the Phoenix International Raceway one-mile oval. This race, the team will have a unique perspective, as both team drivers/spokespersons will have opposite views: Arie Luyendyk from the broadcast booth, and Sam Schmidt from the cockpit of the #99 Sprint PCS/G-Force/Aurora/Firestone entry.

Around the Track with Arie Luyendyk:

"The Phoenix track has always been most driver's favorite oval because of the amazing speed and the way the track is laid out. The track has been good and bad to me. I've had two wins and I've also had the unique opportunity to experience the track surface face-to-face for 300 yards upside-down. Track set-up is critical for these cars. You can get away with a little bit-as with most ovals, but if you get the car set-up right-it makes the track very exiting. If you don't have the car set-up well, it is a nightmare. I think the fans will have a good time watching this race. As a rule, if you have your car running well at Phoenix-it usually works well at all the other tracks!"

Noteworthy: Arie Luyendyk will not be driving in this race, but will act as driver coach and sponsor spokesperson for Treadway Racing, as well as Fox Sports Network Broadcast Announcer.

Sam Schmidt's Perspective: #99 Sprint PCS/G-Force/Aurora/Firestone

"I really like Phoenix a lot! Of all the places we go during the season, Phoenix is the place where I have logged the most laps. I have won several support race events there as well. I won two Formula Ford 2000 races and finished second in a Shelby Can Am event. The weekend in general feels a bit like a 'catch 22'. I feel like I am out for retribution following our performance in Disney, but the bottom line is that I need to be conservative and run a smart race. I really enjoy the facility-so it should be a great weekend for our team and the sponsors!"

Noteworthy: Sam Schmidt won two FF2000 events at this track, and finished second in his Shelby Can Am entry.