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Indy Lights: Veterans Smith and Menninga looking to finalize 2000 plans

30 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Brit Guy Smith and Iowa resident Chris Menninga are two more veterans looking to finalize their 2000 plans. Smith, 25, was in the U.S. earlier this month when he wrapped things up with Forsythe Championship Racing in Ohio and met with several Indianapolis-based teams. Smith ran his second season in Indy Lights with Forsythe this year and hopes to be back in the series next year.

"Things are looking pretty good at the moment," Smith said. "I am working on a deal that would include Indy Lights and the 24 Hours of Daytona and Sebring endurance races. Nothing is done but I am hopeful."

Menninga, another 25-year-old, just completed five days of testing with Conquest Racing, the team that took him through his rookie season this year. The test was split between the Firebird road course and Phoenix International Raceway oval in Arizona. Menninga and team owner Eric Bachelart are close to striking a deal that should be announced in the early weeks of the New Year.

"We both want to continue what we started this year," Menninga said. "I am fairly close to having all of the pieces in place to sign a new deal with Eric."

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