---

IRL: Ray Turns Hot Lap at Indy Open Test Despite Cool, Windy Weather

12 April 1999

INDIANAPOLIS - Team Menard driver Greg Ray recorded the fastest speed for the second day in a row during the Pep Boys Indy Racing League Open Test on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ray's top lap of 222.695 mph around the 2.5-mile oval in the Glidden-Menards Dallara/Aurora/Firestone came despite winds gusting in excess of 30 mph and air temperatures in the mid-50s.

"The conditions just didn't feel right," said Ray, of Plano, Texas. "It's best to listen to your instincts. The track dropped 15 degrees in an hour and another 6 degrees in five minutes after that. It's taking too long to warm up the tires."

Billy Boat, driving the A.J. Foyt Racing Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear, was second fastest at 222.102, and Jeff Ward was third fastest in the Pagan Racing Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear at 220.038.

Roberto Guerrero was fourth fastest in the CBR-Cobb Racing G Force/Infiniti/Firestone at 220.027. Defending Pep Boys Indy Racing League champion Kenny Brack, driving the A.J. Foyt Power Team Racing Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear, was fifth fastest at 219.893.

The Open Test will continue from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday for veterans and rookies. Open testing was extended into Monday due to the cool temperatures and high winds preventing teams from completing many laps Sunday, said Brian Barnhart, Pep Boys Indy Racing League director of racing operations.

The public is welcome to view testing from the South Terrace grandstands free of charge.
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery
.