Indy Racing League
Thomas M. Sampson
Articles
Sam Hornish Jr. won the second race of the IRL season at the Phoenix International Raceway.
Let's hope that the season opener at Homestead-Miami was an omen of things to come in 2005.
The 2005 season opener is coming up this weekend (March 6th)at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Testing begins, marking the first time the drivers take to the track in 2005.
A new fresh (greatlooking) face has emerged to take the IRL Series by storm...
Some things will change for 2005, and some things will stay the same.
General Motors is shutting down its IRL engine production after the 2005 season.
The 2004 Indy Racing season came to an end at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Adrian Fernandez won this third event of the season, while Tony Kanaan clinches the 2004 IRL Championship.
Adrian Fernandez takes his second win of the season at Chicagoland Speedway.
The Andretti Green team swept the top three spots, setting a record in the IRL Series' 100th event.
A brief rundown on the mid-August Kentucky and Pikes Peak events.
The new 2005 IRL schedule, and a quick rundown on last weekend's Michigan event.
Dario Franchitti won his first IRL event as the Andretti Green teams dominates the series.
Tony Kanaan boosted his driver's championship point's lead by winning his third event of the 2004 season at the Nashville Superspeedway.
Buddy Rice and teammate Vitor Meira gave Rahal-Letterman Racing a one two finih in one of the closest IRL races in history.
Wheldon is the Mileage Pro at Richmond
Dan Wheldon won his second race of the 2004 season on the 3/4 mile Richmond International Raceway.
Tony Kanaan wins his second race of the 2004 IRL season.
Buddy Rice, Kenny Brack's replacement, wins the Great American Race from the pole starting position
The ABC television network is lobbying to change the Indy 500 starting time.
The pole for the 2004 Indianaolis 500 was won by substitute driver Buddy Rice!
Preparations are underway for the 2004 Indy 500 as teams test the new IRL 3.0 liter engine.
Dan Wheldon continues his top five finish streak with his first victory.
Team Rahal moves to the IRL, Indy 500 teams are lining up, and the Copper World Indy 200 from Phoenix, AZ.
Fernandez Switches, is Rahal Next?
Adrian Fernandez has switched from Champ Car to the IRL and it's rumored that Bobby Rahal is nipping at his heels.
The 2004 IRL season is under way!
The IRL postures itself after losing a bid to purchace CART's assets, and testing resumes before the series opener on feb. 29th.
The IRL follows in NASCAR's footsteps for 2004!
Homestead-Miami testing, Franchitti's back in the saddle, and the 2003 Driver of the Year awards.
Keeping up with the driver switches and new hires as the 2004 season approaches.
Do Indy cars have a design flaw that allows them to go airborne when sliding sideways?
Kenny Brack is recovering nicely, the 2003 awards celebration is set, and Al Unser Jr. is laid up for the winter.
The Chevy 500 at Texas Motor Speedway marked the end of the season, with lots of surprises and heartbreaks.
Sam Hornish Jr. has joined the top stars for the chance to win another IndyCar title on October 12th.
Hornish Wins With Photo Finish
Sam Hornish Jr. won the 10th race of his career at Chicagoland Speedway in the closest one two three photo finish in Indy Racing history.
An account of an up-close and personal perspective of attending an IRL event.
New Chevy Engine Gets First Victory
The new Chevrolet Generation IV engine, 2004 IRL schedule, and the Belterra Casino Indy 300 from Kentucky Motor Speedway.
The new Chevy Indy V8 got a real workout from Buddy Lazier recently. Find out how the new IRL powerplant performed on the track at Fontana, California.
Giaffone Quickest at Miami-Homestead Tests
Testing has begun for the 2002 IRL season and its opening race on March 2,2002, at Miami-Homestead Speedway. Clearly the class of the testing field was Filipe Giaffone, followed closely by the Penske/Marlboro Team.
The son of an Indy legend is returning as a team owner for the 2002 season. Find out what made the name Agajanian, a legend in Indy racing, and share some of Cary Agajanian's memories of his famous father.
The prodigal son has returned, or will soon. Roger Penske is making a move and it's back to Indy and the IRL. Could this bring a unification to open-wheeled racing?
The IRL and its teams, drivers, owners and fans contributed a large amount of money to the victims of the September 11th tragedy. Find out more.
Three-Way Photo Finish in Texas
The last race of the 2001 IRL season saw the closest finish in history. Find out who won and how close the racing really was in Texas.
The Chevy 500 was postponed until October 6th due to the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. The IRL urges fans to contribute to the rescue effort.
A.J. Puts Ray In His New Infiniti at Texas
A.J. Foyt is experimenting and Greg Ray is the one to test out his latest idea. The four-time Indy 500 champion and IRL owner is switching to an Infiniti engine at Texat on September 16th.
He didn't win the race at Chicagoland, but Sam Hornish, Jr. clinched the 2001 IRL championship on Sunday, September 2nd. Now it's off to Texas and the Chevy 500 on September 16th.
In news fromt the IRL, Greg Ray has been replaced by Jaques Lazier for the remainder of the season. This and other news from the IRL are featured this week, as well as the 2002 Indy 500 schedule.
Kentucky Speedway looked like a 50's Indy Car Reunion as A.J., "Big Al", John Mecom, Jr., and George Bignotti were all in the pits, and hard at work. Too bad their 200+ years of experience didn't pay off as Buddy Lazier continued his winning ways.
Bradley to Field Two Teams in 2002
Bradley Motorsports has hired IRL veteran Richie Hearn to drive a second entry for the 2002 season.
The IRL announced its 2002 schedule earlier this week. Find out when the IRL teams will be in your area, and who is televising them for those who can't make it to the track.
Hamilton Recovering in Indianapolis
Davey Hamilton, popular IRL driver, continues his recovery at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Recently he had more reconstructive surgery on his right foot and ankle.
Lazier Sets Record at Nashville
Colorado native Buddy Lazier recorded his record setting seventh IRL victory this week at Nashville Superspeedway. He was joined on the podium by his brother Jaques, who finished third and Billy Boat who finished second in the event.
The IRL moves to Nashville Superspeedway on July 21 for a night race. This is a concrete track and tire wear is expected to cause some teams problems.
Eddie Cheever Jr. won the closest IRL race in history at the new Kansas Speedway as he beat out Sam Hornish Jr. and Donnie Beechler by less than one second.
Buddy Lazier dominated the short track at Richmond in record setting style, as he led 224 of the 250 laps, enroute to his second consecutive victory.
Lazier Celebrates Father's Day In Victory Lane
Buddy Lazier came home to Colorado, and on Father's Day, with his son and his dad watching, won the Radisson Indy 200. What a story of a hometown boy making good!
After several laps of side-by-side racing at over 200 mph, Scott Sharp came out the winner at Texas International Raceway. His victory may help to ease the pain of his first lap accident at Indy this year.
For the second year in a row, an Indy rookie won the annual 500 mile race. Helio Castroneves, driving for Team Penske, led the last quarter of the race and beat out team mate Gil deFerran and Michael Andretti for the Borg Warner Trophy.
The field is set for the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500. Find out if your favorite made the field, as well as more details about their lives, career's and more.
Scott Sharp found the extra miles per hour to take the Pole position for the 85th Indy 500. Find out how your favorites did in the opening round of qualifying.
Next weekend begins qualifying for the 85th Indy 500. Here are some predictions of how your favorite drivers will fare in the run for the Pole and in the race itself.
Ray Wins Accident Marred Atlanta
Greg Ray dominated the zMAX 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as he beat out second place finisher Scott Sharp by almost 20 seconds.
Here are the Official Qualifying Procedures for the Indianapolis 500. Find out what is involved in making the starting field or winning the pole.
Sam Hornish made it two in a row as he beat out Sarah Fisher for the win at Miami.
Penske Returns to the Brickyard
Roger Penske, the man who started the split between CART and the IRL has returned to "The Brickyard" for the 85th Indianapolis 500. His two entries open up some interesting possibilities.
Another "Old Pro" will return to "The Brickyard", as Michael Andretti is slated to drive the #39 Team Green Oldsmobile/Dallara with primary sponsorship by Motorola. This will be Michael's 12th start in the Indy 500.
Sam Hornish, Jr. Wins His First IRL Event
Sam Hornish, Jr. ran away from the field at Phoenix Sunday to win the Pennzoil Copper World Indy 200. He is the youngest driver in recent history to win a major open-wheeled event, at only 21 years old.,Sam Hornish, Jr. ran away from the field at Phoenix Sunday to win the ...
March 18 marks the opening of the IRL season with the Pennzoil Copper World Indy 200 from Phoenix International Raceway. The season sees new engines, new television coverage and new tracks, and promises to me the most exciting IRL season yet.
The IRL season opens March 18 with the Pennzoil Copper World Indy 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. This year, for the first time, the race shares the spotlight with the whole Copper World schedule of sprints, midgets and supermodified.
A tribute to one of the greats of motorsports. Dale Earnhardt, Sr. died Sunday, February 18, 2001, during the Daytona 500. His contributions to racing helped to make all of racing, including the IRL, the most watched spectator sport in the world.
New teams, injuries, and a major goof in timing hightlight this week in the IRL. Find out why the February 15th Media Day is a major blunder on the part of IRL management.
There's been a lot going on in the world of the IRL recently, as teams prepare for the 2001 season. Everything from updated chassis to new teams is covered in this week's report.
Panther and Andretti Not Talking
Panther Racing and Michael Andretti are not talking about an Indy 500 entry for CART's winningest driver. Instead, it appears Panther is going with 21 year old Sam Hornish, Jr.
Marlboro Team Penske will return to the Brickyard for the 85th Indianapolis 500. Owner Roger Penske will enter two cars for the 2001 race.
Arie Luyendyk will return to Indy this year driving for his old team Treadway Racing. This two-time champion has a shot at winning number 3 with his old crew at his side.
Legendary Owner, Jim Gilmore Dies New Year's Eve
Legendary Indy Car owner, Jim Gilmore was killed New Year's Eve in a freak auto accident in Michigan. Gilmore was the car owner for many drivers, including A.J. Foyt.
Stan Fox Dies in Auto Accident
Indy 500 veteran, Stan Fox died December 18 in an auto accident while visiting New Zealand. A website has been established for fans to send sympathies to his family.
Infiniti Sponsors Miami Grand Prix
Major IRL engine supplier, Infiniti, will sponsor the Homestead Miami Grand Prix in April of 2001.
Goodyear and Cheever Join Lazier in IROC 25th Anniversary Season
Here's the latest off season news from around the IRL. Find out what the drivers and others involved with the Indy Racing League are up to when they're not on the track.
Lazier Presented Northern Light Trophy
The IRL held it's annual awards ceremony on Nov. 11. Tony George, president of the IRL presented Buddy Lazier the Northern Light Trophy for winning the points championship for the 2000 season.
Rookie Tests Postponed at Kentucky
Even with the season at a close, there's still a lot of news coming from the Indy Racing League. Find out about the best value in sports, offered by the IRL.
Homestead, Florida and Chicago were the focus of testing for several IRL teams. Both tracks will be added to the IRL schedule for the 2001 season.
Buzz Calkins Finishes 725th at Chicago
The week after the IRL season ended, there was still racing action going on as Buzz Calkins raced in Chicago. Teams also began testing at Indy for the 2001 season.
Lazier Wins Northern Light Cup
Buddy Lazier won the Indy Northern Lights Racing Series championship on the final day of the 2000 season, but Scott Goodyear won the race.
An Inside Look at Galles Racing
When the cars are silent, what do the teams and crews do? Take an inside look at Rick Galles Racing and find out more about the people who make the cars run.
Rumors - 2001 IRL Team and Driver Changes
Rumors are abundant in the Indy Racing League arena, as teams and drivers begin to make plans for the 2001 season. Find out who's rumored to be going where next season.
Indy Winners Comment on U.S. Grand Prix
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the first U.S. Grand Prix since 1991. Find out who won and what current and former Indy car drivers had to say about the race.
Darland Wins Chance at Indy Car Test
USAC Sprint Car champion Dave Darland won a chance at a test drive in an Indy Car, courtesy of Ron Hemelgarn and Hemelgarn Racing and made the most of it, as he passed his rookie test.
Scott Sharp Tests Indy Car at Richmond
On Saturday, September 9, Scott Sharp tested his Indy car at Richmond International Raceway. His car ran approximately 2 seconds faster than the pole qualifier for the NASCAR event held that same weekend.
Team Menard to Stick with IRL in 2001
Even in an off week in the IRL, there's still lots happening. This week find out the plans of Team Menard for the 2001 season, as well as keep current on the season standings and Rookie of the Year points in the IRL.
Lazier Moves Closer to Championship
By winning the Belterra Resort Indy 300, Buddy Lazier moved closer to clinching the series championship. After a third lap accident, the race saw 8 drivers hold the lead. For complete details.
Rumor has it that Michael Andretti may be headed to the Indy Northern Lights Racing Series. If he does, he'll join another legendary Indy name, Al Unser, Jr. as the top draws for the IRL.
Behind the Scenes: Steve Fried
Indy car Chief Mechanic Steve Fried survived a horrifying pit lane accident during the 1999 Indy 500. His story is a tribute to his courage and dedication.
Racing Families in the Indy Series
Racing families are common, and the Indy Northern Lights Racing Series is no exception. Find out more on one of today's great racing families.
Indy Returns to Traditional Format in 2001
After several years of shortened practice and qualifying schedules, Tony George, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has announced that in 2001, the schedule will return to its month long format as in the past.
Greg Ray Cruises to Victory at Atlanta
Greg Ray won the Midas 500 Classic at Atlanta Motor Speedway and became the seventh different winner in seven races on the IRL circuit this year.
In Memory of Ron Eichhorn 09/18/30 - 06/20/00
On June 20, 2000, Ron Eichhorn, the Suite 101 Contributing Editor for the Indy Racing League passed away. This memorial tribute is written by his son, Seth Ronald Eichhorn, in memory of his father.
2001 Indy Northern Lights Series Schedule Announced
Eddie Cheever, Jr. took a commanding lead in the points standings by winning the Radisson 200 at Pikes Peak Raceway. Also, the Indy Northern Lights Racing Series announced an expanded schedule for the 2001 season.
The Closest Finish in IRL History & ESPN Lost Power!
Delayed by rain, the Casino Magic 500 turned out to be one of the best races in IRL history, as Scott Sharp became the winningist IRL driver ever, by the closest margin ever.
The Indy Northern Lights Racing Series took the week off to prepare for the Casino Magic 500 on June 10, at Texas Motor Speedway.
Juan Montoya dominated the 84th running of the Indianapolis 500. There were some interesting twists and disappointment along the way for other drivers.
The starting field for the Indianapolis 500 is set, and the cars will not run on the track until Thursday. There are a lot of interesting things that happened during qualifying.
Practice for the 2000 Indianapolis 500 began this weekend and saw Eddie Cheeever, Jr., turn the fastest lap of the weekend.
The driver getting the most attention as qualifying day approaches may be 19-year-old Sarah Fisher. Driving for Walker Racing, she has proven this year that she could win Rookie of the Year honors in this year's Indy 500.
Al Unser Jr. won his first IRL race in 5 years, as he cruised to victory in the Las Vegas 300. The victory may signal the beginning of cooperation between the IRL and CART.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened for testing and at the conclusion of the four days, Greg Ray put himself in a position to be the favorite to win the Pole Position for the Indianapolis 500, to be held on May 28th.