INDY 500: Vasser leads Thursday practice at Indy
19 May 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Target/Ganassi Racing star is sixth different driver to top charts in first six days
INDIANAPOLIS- Jimmy Vasser topped the speed chart during practice for the 84th Indianapolis 500 today, turning a lap of 221.681 mph in the #10T Target G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone.His Target/Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Juan Montoya, was second fastest in the #9T Target G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone at 221.555. Both drivers turned their fastest laps in the last two hours of practice, after a 64-minute rain delay cooled the track and the air temperature.
First of all, the reception has been fantastic from the fans and officials, said Vasser. Since arriving from (CART race in) Japan, weve just had to get to work on the car. We dont really have the opportunity to sit back and realize, Wow, this is cool. Some of my most exciting memories in life was qualifying here my rookie year. This is still the biggest motor race in the world.
1999 Bank One Rookie of the Year Robby McGehee was third fastest at 220.964 in the #5 Meijer-Energizer Advanced Formula-Mall.com G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone.
Mark Dismore was fourth in the #28T OnStar/GM BuyPower/Bryant Heating & Cooling Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone at 220.896, and his Kelley Racing teammate, Scott Sharp, was fifth at 219.922 in the #8T Delphi Automotive Systems-MCI WorldCom Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone. Vasser was the sixth different driver to lead the speed charts during the first six days of practice on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first time that feat has been achieved since 1991 and only the second time since 1971.
Thirty-three drivers practiced today, recording 1,950 laps, the most of any day this week.
1969 Indianapolis 500 champion Mario Andretti visited the Speedway as part of the weeklong Legends of the Speedway celebration. Legendary car owner Andy Granatelli will be saluted Friday.
The final day of practice for the 84th Indianapolis 500 before PPG Pole qualifying is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday. Gates open at 9 a.m. Admission is $5 for everyone age 6 and older, and free for children age 5 and younger.
Pole Day qualifying for this Indy Racing Northern Light Series event takes place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 20. The final day of qualifications, MBNA Bump Day, is from noon-6 p.m. May 21.
Text provided by Paul Kelly
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