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Northern Light IRL: Technical Director Casey Receives Safety Award from CDA

20 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- Phil Casey, technical director of the Indy Racing League, received a safety award from the Championship Drivers Association (CDA) Friday, Oct. 13 at The Speedway Club at Texas Motor Speedway.

The award recognized Caseys "outstanding achievement and service in the safety and care of the drivers." This is the 19th year the award has been presented.

"This award is special because it comes from all of the drivers," Casey said. "It is a beautiful plaque. It is just a real honor to get this from the drivers association."

The CDA Board of Directors presents this award each year at the season-ending dinner, which honors the Indy Racing League safety team.

"This award is truly given for the accomplishments in the field of safety," said John Potter, executive director of CDA. "It is not a popularity award or retirement award. It is to honor accomplishments in safety, which affects the lives of drivers.

"Phil Casey made the cars safe. He worked 24 hours a day 365 days a year to make these cars safe. Just look at the competition. That can be attributed to Phil Casey and his ingenuity."

During the annual dinner, Al Unser Jr. presented Casey with a special edition Maurice Lacroix chronograph wristwatch and wooden plaque. Past winners from the Indy Racing League staff are Brian Barnhart, vice president of operations; Chris Tracy, nurse; and Dr. Henry Bock, director of medical services.

Text Provided By Paul Kelly

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