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IRL: Foyt, Hampton pass rookie tests at Texas

19 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

FORT WORTH, Texas - A legendary name could be back in the cockpit of an Indy Racing car next year as Larry Foyt, son of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, passed his Indy Racing League rookie test Nov. 17 at Texas Motor Speedway along with U.S. F2000 standout Ryan Hampton.

Pep Boys Indy Racing League Director of Racing Operations Brian Barnhart conducted the test. Veteran Indy Racing driver Jeff Ward and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford assisted with the tests of Foyt and Hampton.

Driving the legendary No. 14 A.J. Foyt Power Team Racing machine, U.S. F2000 veteran Larry Foyt ran 120 laps during testing. He ran more than 65 laps faster than 200 mph on the 1.5-mile oval, recording a top lap of 211 mph. Hampton completed his test in the No. 11 Harrahs A.J. Foyt Racing car. Hampton ran 105 laps during testing with 56 faster than 200 mph. His top lap was 209 mph.

"Larry and Ryan both were very impressive," said Barnhart. "They showed us everything we look for in a driver of one of these cars. They both were very consistent and smooth, displaying good car control."

Following a break after the test, Foyt and Hampton each turned 20 laps with full fuel loads and also practiced pit stops.

"Now that they have the test behind them, getting laps is the most important thing for them to do," Barnhart said.

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