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NorthernLight IRL: Cahill Racing files Indy 500 entry; Beechler to drive

6 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- Cahill Auto Racing filed an entry April 4 for the 84th Indianapolis 500, with Indy Racing Northern Light Series veteran Donnie Beechler listed as the driver.

Beechler will drive the #98 Cahill Racing Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone, and the team also has entered a backup car. Rob Long is the chief mechanic, with Larry Cahill as team manager.

Former USAC open-wheel standout Beechler will attempt to make his third consecutive start at Indianapolis with Cahill Racing. His best finish came last year, when he placed 29th.

Beechler has been one of the surprises of the Northern Light Series this year, climbing to fourth in the point standings after finishing sixth and a career-best third in the first two races of the season, respectively. He finished 28th and 21st, respectively, in his first two seasons of Indy Racing.

Practice starts May 13 for the Indianapolis 500, with Pole Day May 20 and Race Day May 28.

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

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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