Lazier Sets Record at Nashville

The IRL points chase became even closer Saturday night as Buddy Lazier captured the Harrah’s Indy 200 at Nashville Superspeedway. Lazier's victory, combined with the sixth place finish of Sam Hornish, Jr. narrowed Hornish's points lead to just 40, with five races to go.

For Lazier, it was a record setting victory, since he now has the record for the most victories in IRL events, seven. It was also his third victory of the season, as he attempts to defend his championship. "We’re going to do everything we can," Lazier said about his attempt to win a second consecutive series championship. "The Pennzoil Panther team, Sam Hornish, they’ve had a great season. But there are still five races left, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. This team is starting to pick up a lot of momentum."

It was also a big day for Lazier's brother Jaques, as he finished with a career best third place, even though he was involved in a last lap accident that damaged his car. Lazier and his No. 99 Sam Schmidt Motorsports Racing Special Dallara/Oldsmobile stayed close to the lead all day and many fans were impressed with his ability. In second place was veteran Billy Boat, in the #98 Curb Records Dallara/Oldsmobile.

Last week's winner, Eddie Cheever, Jr. lost his bid to repeat when he was involved in a spectacular accident on lap 103 which involved six cars including Al Unser, Jr. and Pole Sitter Greg Ray. Luckily none of the drivers received serious injuries, although it was hard to see how Airton Dare escaped injury in the accident. Others involved were Mark Dismore and Donnie Beechler. The incident began when Cheever and Ray touched wheels, and by the time it was over, debris covered the track. Cheever later said that his mistake caused the accident. To me it takes quite a man to admit that. I can't imagine some of the other drivers in other series ever admitting that they were wrong. The next race for the IRL teams is on August 12 from Kentucky Speedway for the Belterra Casino Resort Indy 300. This one and one-half mile tri-oval is extremely fast, as is evidenced by the qualifying record, Scott Goodyear's 219.191 mph, which he ran last August. Defending champion for the event, Buddy Lazier is expected to be one of the top contenders in the event, and Sarah Fisher, who finished a career high third last year should also be in contention. The race will be broadcast on ABC television at 1:30 Eastern time, and the race should go a long way toward determining the 2001 Indy Northern Light Series champion.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic