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NorthernLight IRL: Legendary March chassis returning to the Indianapolis 500

28 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Rookie Smith to drive March Racing entry prepared by Sinden Racing Service

INDIANAPOLIS- One of the most legendary names in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history will return this year as March Indy International, Inc. (OTC BB: INDQ) has reached an agreement with Sinden Racing Service to field an entry for the 84th Indianapolis 500 on May 28.

British rookie Guy Smith, 25, will drive the #44 March Racing Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone upon successful completion of the Rookie Orientation Program. Practice starts May 13 for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," with Pole Day May 20.

Sinden Racing Service partners Jeff Sinden and Joe Kennedy - involved in Indy Racing Northern Light Series competition since the series debut - will serve as the team manager and chief mechanic, respectively, of the March Racing car.

This entry also will mark the return of March legend Robin Herd to the Speedway. Herd is now chairman of the board and technical director of March Indy International. Under his direction, March built the chassis for a record five consecutive Indianapolis 500 winners from 1983-87.

Stefan Johansson, three-time Indianapolis 500 starter and Formula One veteran, is the director of racing for March Racing.

"Now that the Sinden personnel will be on hand in the pit and Marchs engineering and technology in the cars, the expertise of the internationally famous driver Stefan Johansson will catapult March to the top of the competition," Herd said. "We are determined to build a top-notch racing team with the best drivers on the circuit."

Smith, 25, has competed in Indy Lights since 1998. He won that series Rookie of the Year honors in 1998 after winning two races and finishing third in the point standings for Johanssons team. Smith drove for Forsythe Championship Racing in Indy Lights in 1999, winning the pole at Laguna Seca. Smith previously competed in British Formula 3, Renault Sport, Formula Vauxhall, Formula Ford and karting in Great Britain.

"Though young, Smith has already left his mark on this sport," Herd said. "With this new agreement, we will make sure his list of achievements will get many impressive additions."

March has unveiled Zoom2net.com as its first sponsor. Zoom2net is an Internet company providing Internet access, e-commerce and business solutions, Web site design, maintenance and hosting. Additional sponsors are being sought, and further team and sponsorship plans will be announced shortly.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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