IRL: Goodyear Looks to Continue Pair of IRL Win Streaks in Charlotte
28 April 1999
AKRON, Ohio-- When youre hot, youre hot, and Goodyear is looking to continue a pair of Pep Boys Indy Racing League hot streaks at this weekends VisionAire 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C.Goodyear is currently riding a solid winning streak in the IRL, having captured the seasons first two races. In January, Eddie Cheever won the TransWorld Diversified Services 200 in Orlando, Fla., and Scott Goodyear claimed the MCI WorldCom 200 at Phoenix, Ariz., in March. In both races Goodyear-equipped cars claimed the majority of the top-10 spots, and Goodyear drivers own the first six spots in the drivers championship.
"Goodyears record in the first two events has been nothing short of remarkable," says Paul Lauritzen, Goodyears operations manager for the IRL. "In addition to the two wins, Goodyear drivers have led 378 of 400 laps, set two fastest race laps and earned one pole position. Goodyear-equipped drivers took nine of the top-10 positions at Orlando including the first four spots, and grabbed six of the first eight positions at Phoenix.
"In both races, Goodyear teams moved up through the pack as the race progressed, often running their fastest laps as the fuel load lightened. That says a lot for the consistency of the Goodyear Eagles throughout the tire cycle."
On Saturday night, Goodyears other streak will also be on the line. Goodyear swept 1998s IRL night races, winning at Texas (Billy Boat), Charlotte (Kenny Brack) and Atlanta (Brack again).
"Goodyear is looking to extend its winning streak in the Indy Racing League night races," adds Lauritzen. "Moving the Charlotte event from July to before Indianapolis will give the IRL teams an important opportunity to race in superspeedway conditions before heading to Indianapolis. Additionally, the cooler temperatures will help the engines produce more horsepower, allow the cars to generate more downforce and the Goodyear tires to develop more grip on the high banks, all of which should make for some exciting racing this weekend. The information Goodyear receives from our teams will enable us to refine our tire selection for the similar tracks at Texas and Atlanta."
IRL points leader Scott Goodyear was one of several drivers who helped develop the Goodyear Eagle IRL Racing Radials used this weekend.
"Goodyear has produced a good tire for Charlotte," says the Phoenix winner, who set an unofficial track record during private testing in late April. "They've been working hard with all of the Goodyear teams. Since Goodyear tires have won the last two races we hope to make it a third at Charlotte and leave the track from victory circle."
Goodyear is increasing the number of teams it supplies at Charlotte. Stan Wattles, a top-10 finisher at Orlando, returns to IRL action after missing Phoenix. New entries include Johnny Unser in the Tae-Bo-sponsored entry from Hemelgarn Racing and former Trans-Am regular Mike Borkowski makes his IRL debut in the PDM Racing machine.
They join IRL points leaders Goodyear (Panther Racing), Jeff Ward (Pagan Racing), Cheever (Team Cheever), Scott Sharp (Kelley Racing), Mark Dismore (Kelley Racing) and Boat (A.J. Foyt Enterprises).
Also racing on Goodyear Eagles are defending winner Brack (A.J. Foyt Enterprises), former Charlotte winner Buddy Lazier (Hemelgarn Racing), Andy Michner (Brant Racing), Davey Hamilton (Barnhart Galles Motorsports), Roberto Moreno (Truscelli Team Racing) and Steve Knapp (ISM Racing).
"The growing number of Goodyear-equipped teams is another sign that Goodyear is providing the best tire in the Indy Racing League," says Lauritzen. "We are excited about the prospects for another strong showing by Goodyear-equipped teams this weekend and that can only add to Goodyears momentum heading into Indianapolis."
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