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NorthernLight IRL: Atlanta added to 2001 Northern Light Series Schedule

27 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS- With a new date, the Indy Racing Northern Light Series will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2001, track and Indy Racing officials announced today.

The fourth appearance of the Northern Light Series at Atlanta will be Saturday night, April 28, 2001, and will be televised live on ESPN2. The race will be the lead-in event to the Indianapolis 500 and creates a 13-race schedule for 2001.

"The race fans in Atlanta are very enthusiastic, and our teams and drivers enjoy competing there," said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indy Racing League. "Eds (Clark) staff works hard and presented the fans and teams with a first-class event last month. This April date in 2001 should prove to be an even better time of the year to race there."

Atlanta Motor Speedway played host to its first Indy Racing event in 1998, won by Kenny Brack. Scott Sharp captured the 1999 event, while Gray Ray won the 2000 race in July.

"Were extremely pleased to return the exciting drama of the Northern Light Series to enthusiasts in the Atlanta area," said Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark. "We are committed to playing an integral role in growing the league by putting on quality events that are both competitive and entertaining."

The decision to return the Northern Light Series to Atlanta for a fourth straight year is attributed to an increase in attendance and fan excitement at this years event, Clark said.

"I personally received numerous e-mails and letters from fans and media members who were very enthusiastic about the quality of the show the drivers put on," Clark said.. "They had a great time at last months race and were extremely vocal about wanting the race back.

"And who can blame them? Northern Light Series racing just keeps getting better and better."

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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