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NorthernLight IRL: Byrd/McCormack Team changes chassis, Lands primary sponsorship

10 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- Jonathan Byrd/McCormack Motorsports recently made two moves that it hopes will provide a competitive edge in the 2000 Indy Racing Northern Light Series, switching to the Riley & Scott chassis and unveiling WorldBestBuy.com as primary sponsor.

Northern Light Series points leader Buddy Lazier finished second and first, respectively, in the first two races of the season in a Riley & Scott chassis. That strong performance influenced team co-owners Jonathan Byrd and Dennis McCormack to switch from G Force to Riley & Scott for the teams entry for driver Ronnie Johncox.

"After witnessing the performance of the Riley & Scott at Orlando and Phoenix, Im convinced that the Riley & Scott is the car that is most capable of winning the Indianapolis 500 and the Northern Light Series championship," Byrd said. "Not only have we committed ourselves to what I hope is a beneficial, long-term relationship with Riley & Scott, Riley & Scott has made a tremendous commitment to the success of our team. I hope that we can reward them for their confidence in our program."

Said McCormack: "With Riley & Scotts history of success, it was only a matter of time until they raised the competitive bar in the Northern Light series. Of the three makes of cars, the Riley & Scott seems to respond most positively to changes and appears to best maximize the performance of our Firestone Firehawks, which, this season, are the best racing tire that Ive ever seen. The 2000 car has already shown itself to be competitive, and with the developments that Riley & Scott has in the works for the Speedway and the rest of the season, this car will be the car to beat come race day in May and every race day thereafter."

The team will continue to use Oldsmobile engines, and as every other team in the series, Firestone tires.

WorldBestBuy.com is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce companies on the World Wide Web. The site, launched Nov. 15, 1999, offers traditional shopping at value prices plus some of the hottest auction action online. The site also features unmatched business to business deals for volume buyers. Web surfers can even use the site to sell their household items and collectibles at no charge.

"All the company principals have a longtime interest in racing, and we know that our fellow race fans are great potential customers," said Elliot Borin, WorldBestBuy.com executive vice president of marketing. "Indy Racing fans are people with money to spend who are interested in high technology. "Lets face it: Shopping online is a no-brainer for someone who knows the pros and cons of normally aspirated versus turbocharged engines and has managed to get even a little understanding of downforce.

"We are particularly pleased to add the Jonathan Byrd/McCormack team as one of our racing partners. Indy car racing stands -- and has stood since 1911 -- as a uniquely American gift to the world. Come June, all over the globe, more people will know the name of the Indianapolis 500 winner than will know the name of any world or business leader. Its an awesome thing to consider."

Said McCormack: "Were thrilled to bring the energy and enthusiasm of WorldBestBuy.com to our organization Its a tremendous boost to our team to be involved with a company that understands the marketing value of motorsports and appreciates the unique nature and history of Indy Racing. WorldBestBuy.com is a wonderful addition to our team and should be a valuable member of the Northern Light Series."

Byrd said: "Dennis and I are looking forward to building a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with WorldBestBuy.com, and we hope to reward their faith in us by providing them a trip to Victory Lane next month in Indianapolis, and many more times to come."

Text provided by Ron Green

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