Race notebook: Ray lucky to start

Since Friday's qualification session was cancelled because of inclement weather, the IRL had a two-hour practice session on Saturday morning. An hour and 23 minutes into the practice session, Ray crashed into the third turn and his car suffered left-side damage to his car.

The car was damaged beyond repair so Foyt's crew rolled out a back-up car that was previously driven by Robby Gordon in this year's Indianapolis 500. Fellow team owner Eddie Cheever offered his assistance on any parts that might be needed to help convert that car from a chassis that had an Oldsmobile engine to one that would accommodate an Infiniti. Under normal circumstances, a car conversion is done at the race shop, not the track.

"It took us three weeks to do this at home," said Foyt. "Today, we're going to do it in five hours."

There were many issues that had to be addressed to make the car work with an Infiniti engine, but Foyt's team was able to meet the challenge and get the car ready to start the race. Ray started last in the 25-car field and finished eighth.

"This was absolutely amazing teamwork," Ray said. "When we looked at the car this morning, everyone thought we were done but A.J. He is magic, he just instils a lot of confidence in everyone and we had a bunch of David Copperfields working on this car.

"This car hasn't raced since Indy. It didn't have the narrow suspension so we were hurting with drag issues, which probably cost us 3mph a lap. But the car was solid, the team was solid and they just showed what can be done."


Eliseo Salazar finished his second season as A.J. Foyt's primary driver with a fourth-place finish in what could be his last race with the team. Salazar's contract with Foyt is up at the end of this season.

"I'm pretty happy," Salazar said. "The car was really good. A.J.'s set-up was unbelievable. I really think I had the best car out there, we just needed more power. We were lacking revs. At one point I thought we had something for them. It was a dance out there ... we were dancing at 225 mph.

"We weren't mixing it up in the front with those guys, but we had a great set-up. I am happy with the points because we are the only other one besides Buddy Lazier to finish in the top-three two years in a row, so we're looking forward to the banquet tomorrow."


Just two years ago, Ricky Treadway was racing midgets at the Indianapolis Speedrome. On Saturday, the son of IRL team owner Fred Treadway finished fifth in only his third IRL race.

"This sure feels like a win," Ricky Treadway said. "We started almost last and at one point were two laps down. This is our first race with Big Tex and it's just a great showing for Coca-Cola and Chevy. How about this Chevy at the Chevy 500? We're really looking forward to next year."


Firestone has announced it will continue its involvement with the Indy Racing League through to 2005.

In addition to continuing as the exclusive tyre for the IRL and the Indianapolis 500, the manufacturer also will be the exclusive tyre for the new Infiniti Indy Pro Series, an Indy Racing League development series that will debut in 2002. A Firehawk Cup will be established as part of that commitment.

"There have been 55 Indy Racing League events, thus far and Firestone tyres have been on the track in every one," said Tony George, Indy Racing League president and chief executive officer. "The Firestone Racing program has consistently demonstrated it can supply the quality tyres needed for our high-speed, oval track competition.

"We're very appreciative of the steadfast support from Firestone, not just in providing great tyres, but also in helping the Indy Racing League put on great shows for fans at the Indianapolis 500 and other events across the United States.

"With Firestone's continuing involvement, we believe our series will continue to grow and prosper, and that we'll have some tremendous competitions in the years ahead. We wanted one tyre supplier for safety and cost-control benefits, and we're pleased Firestone is going to be that supplier."

Firestone has been the exclusive tyre supplier in the Indy Racing League since 2000. Goodyear participated in the series from 1996-99 but withdrew before the 2000 season.