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NorthernLight IRL: Sarah Fisher leads first day of Kentucky Speedway open test

2 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

SPARTA, Ky - On a track where all the Indy Racing Northern Light Series drivers are rookies, a real series rookie -- Sarah Fisher -- paced the first day of open testing Saturday at the new Kentucky Speedway.

Fisher, driving the #15 Walker Racing Cummins Special Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone, ran the days fastest lap in the first of three sessions Saturday. Her lap of 218.517 mph (24.712 seconds) came on her 65th lap of the morning practice session. Fisher ran a total of 150 laps of testing in preparation for the Aug. 27 Belterra Resort Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway.

"Its pretty cool being on top of the speed chart because it puts everyone in a good mood," said Fisher. "Our guys have been working hard all year, but we havent had much to show for it."

Another rookie, Sam Hornish Jr., posted the second fastest speed of the day in front of many watchful eyes. Hornish is auditioning this weekend for the #4 Pennzoil Panther Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone seat for 2001. Panther Racing and driver Scott Goodyear announced together this week that they would not be a team in 2001.

Hornish was the only driver to improve in time and speed in the final practice session. His 216.881 mph lap came late in the day. Hornish ran a total of 165 laps.

"So far, things are going pretty good, and this has been a wonderful opportunity," said Hornish. "Im really happy with todays outcome. The car and crew were great."

Tyce Carlson (216.167), Robbie Buhl (215.922) and J.J. Yeley (210.660) rounded out the top five. Yeley was making his first appearance in an Indy Racing car this year, driving the #30 WorldBestBuy.com/Jonathan Byrds Cafeteria Riley & Scott/Oldsmobile/Firestone car.

Eddie Cheever Jr. will test tomorrow at Kentucky after his team arrived late in the day after completing a private test in Atlanta on Friday.

The next Indy Racing Northern Light Series event is the Midas 500 Classic at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Saturday night July 15.

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Saturdays Speed Chart

Driver MPH Laps

1. Sarah Fisher 218.517 150
2. Sam Hornish, Jr. 216.881 165
3. Tyce Carlson 216.167 138
4. Robbie Buhl 215.922 165
5. J.J. Yeley 210.660 93
6. Buzz Calkins 208.912 9

Text Provided By Paul Kelly

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