---

NorthernLight IRL: Radisson Indy 200 could continue as Barometer of Champions

8 June 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

FOUNTAIN, Colo. - The Indianapolis 500 remains the most prestigious victory for any Indy Racing Northern Light Series competitor, but any driver who wants to win the Northern Light Cup needs to focus on the Radisson Indy 200, too.

After all, this event at Pikes Peak International Raceway has an uncanny ability to produce winners who become champions. Every driver who has won this event since its inception in 1997 has gone on to win the series championship the same season.

Tony Stewart started the trend in 1997, Kenny Brack continued it in 1998 and Greg Ray won both this race and the title in 1999.

That trend could continue at the fourth annual Radisson Indy 200 at 2 p.m. (MDT) June 18. MBNA Pole qualifying starts at 12:30 p.m. June 17.

Theres more to the streak of champions spawned by this event than sheer fate. Only the strongest drivers and teams win at PPIR.

The 1-mile oval is smooth and wide, creating ample opportunities for three-wide racing. PPIR also provides the fastest racing on a 1-mile track in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series, as Ray won this race last year with an event-record average speed of 134.111 mph.

A wide racing surface and high speeds provide a stern test of driving skill that only championship-caliber drivers can handle.

PPIR also is a challenge for crews. The track is located 5,357 feet above sea level at the base of the imposing Rocky Mountains. No other track in the series approaches the altitude of PPIR, and teams must make tuning changes in their normally aspirated engines and aerodynamics to compensate for the thin air.

The challenge on crewmembers at PPIR will be magnified by the series schedule, as the Radisson Indy 200 is the second consecutive race in as many weeks. Its the only time all season that Indy Racin