IRL: Pennzoil Panther Pack Still in Points Hunt for Season Championship
31 August 1999
Indianapolis, IN - Despite a disappointing day the Pennzoil Panther Pack managed to stay in the points hunt for the Pep Boys Indy Racing League Championship in yesterdays Colorado Indy 200. The "Pack" finished in 21st position and collected 9 points for a season total of 202 points, while Greg Ray won the race and moved into the championship lead with 246 points.Pikes Peak International Raceway is tough 1-mile oval where the weather can take the track conditions from one extreme to the other in a matter of minutes. The "Pack" had chased the track all weekend trying to find the optimal car set-up to get them through the 200 lap Colorado Indy 200 and finally at mid-race they felt that they had found the right program.
"We had a good race car by the end of the day. I'm not sure if it was a winning car, but it was definitely drivable and it's just too bad that when we got it dialed in the fitting went loose and that took us down some laps." Said Goodyear.
Goodyear started the race in 11th position and was gaining steady ground through the first half of the race.
"Pikes Peak is not an easy track to get a read on, " said Chief Engineer Andy Brown. "We struggled at the last race here and felt that we had found the right combination during our test but that all changes so fast. So today we just wanted to get Scott a car he could take to the finish."
Goodyear had pitted on lap 82, taking on tires and fuel but on lap 99 it appeared that smoke was trailing the car. Goodyear was brought into the pits and it was determined that a fitting on the water line had worked it's way loose. The "Pack" worked with their usual speed and determination to get Goodyear back onto the track as quickly as possible. The fitting was replaced and Goodyear returned to racing on lap 114. Despite the hard work the problem had cost the team their chance for a victory, but getting Goodyear back in the race gained the team critical points for the championship battle.
"These guys do a great job of keeping us out there in the race and that's what is so critical when the points are this close." Said co-owner and team manager John Barnes.
Goodyear and the Pennzoil Panther "Pack" are now in 2nd place in the tightest points race in Pep Boys Indy Racing League history. With his victory and pole position this weekend Greg Ray moved into 1st place, Goodyear slipped to 2nd and now Kenny Brack is running a very close third with 199 points.
The "Pack" will return to action at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 26 for the Vegas.com 500.
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