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INDY 500: Blueprint Racing seventh fastest in Monday practice session

16 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- Third-year driver Jimmy Kite set the seventh fastest lap (40.684 seconds/ 221.217 miles per hour) today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for the 84th running of the Indianapolis 500. Kite, of Stockbridge, Georgia ran a total of 73 laps of practice in the #27 Founders Bank/ZMAX Blueprint Racing Special. He turned his quick lap on his 64th time around the famous 2.5 mile "Brickyard."

Running a 2000 G Force chassis with a Blueprint Racing Engines-built Oldsmobile engine, Kite reflected on the run, "were still sticking to our game plan. That 221 was just where we wanted to be today. We havent really shown all this Founders Bank/ZMAX car can do but we sure have shown them that Blueprint Racing is here! The top-five would have been nice but well take a top-six."

Blueprint Racing team members have enjoyed much success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Engine and transmission manager Sonny Meyer has been associated with dozens of "500" wins and team manager Brad McCanless is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his first Indianapolis 500. "With this team, if we werent running this fast, I would have to kick myself," remarked Kite. "Brad has the car setup great. Sonny and Ed [Rachanski, Blueprint Racing co-owner] have given me an incredible engine and the whole Blueprint team is working at 110%. I am just thrilled to be running the Founders Bank/ZMAX Blueprint Racing Special in the Indy 500 and for the entire Indy Racing Northern Lights Series. I couldn't ask for more right now."

Blueprint Racing will now turn its attentions entirely to the race setup for the remainder of the weeks practice. "We are just planning to take it easy the next couple of days. Tomorrow is all about the race-setup. Well run full tanks and just get the car so Jimmy can run it all-day long," revealed McCanless. "Jimmy and I sat down a week ago and discussed where we wanted to be. We put it all in a plan and we have stuck by that plan. Jimmy and the whole team have done a terrific job. I am very happy to be where we are."

Text provided by Blueprint Racing

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