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IRL: Indy Racing standout Dismore selected to compete in IROC in 2000

17 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS- Mark Dismore was the first representative from the Indy Racing League named to compete in the International Race of Champions series in 2000, IROC and Kelley Racing officials confirmed Dec. 16.

Dismore is the first of 12 drivers to be revealed for the all-star series. The rest of the field will be announced shortly. Top drivers from various racing series compete in identically prepared stock cars in the four-race IROC series, which starts Feb. 18 at Daytona Beach, Fla., and ends Aug. 4 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Its the first time that Dismore, 43, is competing in the IROC series.

"Im very excited and totally shocked," Dismore said. "I had no idea I was even being considered, and I got home and there was a message on my recorder. I just cant put into words how exciting and how big of an honor it is to be invited to IROC.

"Getting to race twice a year at Indianapolis is one of the best parts of this, but racing against the best drivers from the other major series is just awesome."

Dismore, from Greenfield, Ind., is coming off an outstanding 1999 season with Kelley Racing. He earned his first-ever Indy Racing victory at the season-ending Mall.com 500 in October at Texas Motor Speedway and earned two poles during the year, the first poles of his career. He finished a career-best third in the Indy Racing League point standings in the MCI WorldCom Dallara/Aurora machine.

"I have to thank the Kelleys, my sponsors and my crew for giving me the cars that enable me to receive this invitation," Dismore said. "I cant wait until Daytona now and am hoping to represent the IRL the best I can."

1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever Jr. and 1998 Indy Racing League champion Kenny Brack represented the Indy Racing League in IROC competition in 1999.

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