IRL: Engrossed in an incredibly close race for the Championship, Team Cheever looks for a solid finish
24 June 1999
Fountain, Colorado - Currently ranked fifth in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League Points Drive, and just eight points shy of third placed, Mark Dismore, Eddie Cheever, will have his #51 Children's Beverage Group/ Team Cheever Dallara/Goodyear/Infiniti focused on one thing at the Radisson 200 at Pikes Peak International Raceway this weekend....a top finish at the end of the 200-mile, 200-lap race.
"Whoever accumulates the most points in the next three months will win this Championship," said the team owner/driver of the rest of the season. "That's how important this weekend as well as the next couple of races are going to be."
"To win a Championship, you must win races," added the former Indy 500 winner. "We can't afford to let another one race slip by if we want to win this Championship. The season is still long enough. It is still feasible for us to win this Championship."
Though the team won the season opener in Orlando and has consistently run strong all season long, mishaps and equipment failures have had their toll on the drive for the title.
"Usually a team has all systems go at the start, so it is rare to upset that formula mid season. However, we felt that strongly about making the move to Infiniti," explained Cheever.
"Now that we've successfully integrated the Infiniti engine into our makeup, we'll be able to fully concentrate on our total effort as a racing team," continued Cheever. "I believe we are now in as good as shape as we were in Orlando and Phoenix."
With the 1-mile tri-oval superspeedway located 5,357 feet above sea level, Sunday's open wheel oval contest will not only be about points and pit strategy, but also about competing in the rarified air.
"If the engine runs out of oxygen, you go slower; if your body runs out of oxygen, you lose your ability to think clearly," explained the former Aspen resident, Cheever. "It is crucial that both the engine and the body are at peak aerobic capability."
"The corners here are very long and it seems like you're in them forever. With the right set up and the right tires, it is possible to drive each lap flat out" added Cheever. "These 1-mile ovals are like little bull rings with a lot of traffic. We are known for our close racing in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, but this race should be exceptionally exciting."
The Radisson 200 will air live on FOX Sports Net at 2pm (EDT) on Sunday, June 27th. Speedvision will carry Saturday, June 26th's qualifier live at 3pm (EDT).
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