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IRL: Pennzoil Panther Racing Announces Dave Steele for Indy 500

8 April 1999

Indianapolis, IN-Pennzoil Panther Racing announced today that Dave Steele will be behind the wheel of the #43 G-Force for the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1999. Steele, a native of Tampa, Florida, will attempt to qualify for his first Indianapolis 500. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about driving in my first 500'," said Steele. "But I'm lucky to have an experienced veteran like Scott Goodyear as a teammate to help me learn the ropes."

Steele will be powered by the same chassis, engine and tire combination as Scott Goodyear in the Pennzoil Panther #4; the G-Force chassis, Goodyear Tires, and Oldsmobile Aurora engine. "The combination that we run at Panther Racing has proven to be successful,"said John Barnes, Team Owner and Manager. "We wanted Dave to have the best package we could possibly put together and I think this combination is a winner."

Steele has been a fast rising star on the short ovals, running the Coors Light Silver Bullet, MCI Worldcom Midgets and Stoops Freightliner Sprint series. Dave has put together an impressive record in all three series over the last few years including; setting the track record at Phoenix International Raceway for a non-winged open wheel car this February during the Copper World Classic and also being the first driver to ever win in all three series in a season (1998).

Steele ran two races last year for Pennzoil Panther Racing, the Lone Star 500k and the Las Vegas 500k. Although accidents took him out of both races, veteran Panther Racing Driver, Scott Goodyear liked what he saw in Steele's driving ability. "Steele has come up through the ranks, very successfully, in a style of driving that requires nerve, precision and a "go for it" attitude to win races. Dave brings those same skills to the Indy Car and is not afraid to get in there and drive the car" said Goodyear. In turn having Goodyear on board has been a great help for Steele. "Scott has been available as a mentor and a coach while I'm getting on the ground in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League Series," Steele said. "I have an advantage over a lot of other rookies since I have Scott there to help me understand the car better."

Steele will get his first experience driving at the famed Brickyard on Thursday and Friday during Rookie Orientation. "I know that it will be humbling when I turn my first lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but I know that I have to put everything else aside and just drive" said Steele.

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