IRL: Hamilton Gets Dialed in to the Engineering Side of Racing
22 September 1999
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Las Vegas, NV -Davey Hamilton, driver of the #9 Galles
Racing Spinal Conquest, gives credit where credit is due, and right now he
is crediting his relationship with his engineer, Alan Mertens, for much of
his team's success in 1999. "My relationship with Alan is everything right now, and we are absolutely dialed in," exclaims Hamilton. "He just seems to have a great understanding of what the car is doing and is going to do in relationship to my driving style. The experience he has brought to the team has been invaluable to us."
Although Galles Racing Engineer Alan Mertens signed on with the team prior to the 1999 Indianapolis 500, it was more of a homecoming than a new position for Mertens.
Mertens worked as the Chief Engineer for Galles Racing from 1988 - 1993 and together, Rick Galles, Alan Mertens and Al Unser Jr. won the 1990 PPG CART Championship and 19 races, including the 1992 Indianapolis 500.
"I was extremely pleased to have Alan back on board with our team, and he and Davey have developed the kind of relationship that breeds success. Engineers and Drivers are key elements to a successful racing program, and I feel that we have two of the best in the business," says Galles.
As for Mertens, he feels the team is where it needs to be in regards to focus and communication.
"Davey is doing a good job right now, as is the crew. He seems to be very focused and his communication with me about what the car is doing is very strong. The past six races have given me a greater understanding of these cars, and I know what kind of driver Davey is now. I have every confidence in this team and I feel that we are going to be extremely competitive at the last two races," says Mertens.
Hamilton goes into the second to last IRL race, the Las Vegas.Com 500, 5th in the points championship with 180 points, just 66 points behind leader Greg Ray. Scott Goodyear is in second with 202 points, separating Hamilton from second place by just 22 points.
"This race is going to determine quite a bit in regards to the championship, and I am hoping to be on the receiving end of those points," says Hamilton.
Race Fans can cheer on Davey Hamilton as he races for the checkered flag at the Vegas.Com 500 on Sunday, September 26. Live coverage of the event begins at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) on ESPN2. Live coverage of Qualifications can be seen on Speed Vision at 3.p.m. (EDT) on September 25.
Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.