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IRL: Davey Hamilton keeps the streak alive

23 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS: It appears that Indy Racing veteran Davey Hamilton will keep his streak intact as the only driver to start every race in the leagues history, thanks to a recent deal struck with Sinden Racing Service.

Hamilton will drive Spinal Conquest Dallara/Aurora/Firestone fielded by SRS in the Delphi Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway on Jan. 29. If he qualifies, it will be his record 35th consecutive Indy Racing start.

Galles ECR Racing owner Rick Galles helped Hamilton forge the deal with Sinden. Hamilton drove for Galles last season, but two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. returned to Galles for the 2000 season. "Basically, Rick and Sinden Racing funded this one race together," Hamilton said. "We have been looking for sponsorship for quite a few months now, and Rick really felt it was important to run at Orlando. He got together with (SRS co-owners) Jeff Sinden and Joe Kennedy and funded the thing. "Last year we came here at the last minute, and Sinden helped us with equipment and some manpower. Rick thought they did a great job and felt he could entrust our effort in them."

Hamilton, from Las Vegas, finished fourth in the Indy Racing League point standings in 1999. He was league runner-up in the 1996-97 and 1998 seasons for two different teams.

"Davey is a great driver, and I absolutely believe in his talent so I felt it was important to show my commitment to him," Galles said. "If we were able to help find money for Davey to run for the year under the Sinden team, I would be comfortable with that. Davey has been a key part of our racing program, and I just could not let that fall by the wayside."

Galles son, Jamie Galles, will serve as Hamiltons engineer during the Delphi Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway. Spinal Conquest, a spinal-cord injury research foundation that was Galles primary sponsor last season, will continue to provide primary support for Hamilton at Orlando.

"I believe in Spinal Conquest, and I want to continue to support their efforts," Hamilton said. "If racing with a toll-free number on the side of my car will help get people like Sam Schmidt walking again, then I will do whatever I can to promote the cause."

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.