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IRL: Entry invitations for 84th Indy 500 to be mailed February 14

11 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS - Entry invitations for the 84th Indianapolis 500 will be mailed Feb. 14 to race teams eligible to compete in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing on May 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The entry deadline is midnight April 12. All entrants will compete for one of the 33 starting spots in the worlds richest and most prestigious auto race. The purse for last years event was $9,047,150, an all-time motorsports record.

Expected entrants include three past Indianapolis 500 champions: 1992 and 1994 winner Al Unser Jr., making his return to the Speedway as a driver for the first time since 1995; 1998 winner Eddie Cheever Jr. and 1996 winner Buddy Lazier. 1999 Indy Racing League champion Greg Ray and current Northern Light Indy Racing Series points leader Robbie Buhl also are expected to be entered.

Other anticipated entries include 1997 Bank One Rookie of the Year Jeff Ward, driving for four-time winner A.J. Foyt; 1999 Bank One Rookie of the Year Robby McGehee, driving for Indy 500-winning Treadway Racing; 1998 Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year Robby Unser, 1996 Indy Racing League co-champions Buzz Calkins and Scott Sharp, and 19-year-old Sarah Fisher, driving for Walker Racing.

Teams entered in the 84th Indianapolis 500 can participate in an Open Test from April 7-10 at the Speedway. Rookies will participate in the Rookie Orientation Program on April 7-8, with veterans testing April 9-10. Firestone will conduct a private tire test April 11.

Opening day for this years Indianapolis 500 is May 13, with practice every day through May 19. Pole Day is May 20, with Bubble Day May 21. Coors Carburetion Day is May 25.

The 84th Indianapolis 500 will be broadcast live by ABC Sports and the Indy Racing Radio Network. Reserved seating for the race is sold out. General admission tickets for practice, qualifications and race day can be purchased in advance by calling (317) 484-6700.

Text Provided by IMS

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