IRL Testing at Walt Disney World (Day 2)
11 December 1997
Lake Buena Vista, FL--The second day of this three day test session was greeted by less than ideal weather conditions. Overnight thunderstorms left two inches of rain in the Orlando area. The overnight rain also caused a delay in getting cars onto the track. The traditional rain delay "Tow Truck" racing schedule was implemented in an attempt to dry the track for an afternoon test session. Indy 500 champion Arie Luyendyk was added to the list of driver's testing today. Luyendyk commented "on the need for patience during weather related delays." IRL officials, teams and tire suppliers hoped to squeeze in two to three hours of testing. Unfortunately it was not to be. Beginning at about 1:30pm under dark and gloomy skies the track went green. Less than forty-five minutes the heavens opened up to wash out the session. In spite of the weather all ten teams did get some track time. Billy Boat was once again the leader with a speed of 162.660mph. The time was four miles an hour slower than the previous day. Buddy Lazier followed Boat with a second best time of 161.667mph. The drivers most frustrated by the inclement conditions had to be Menard teammates Tony Stewart and Robbie Buhl. Stewart completed only four laps before the session was red-flagged and never achieved racing speed. Buhl, who was to occupy the car in the afternoon session, was bumped from the session to allow Stewart time in the cockpit. Hopefully better weather will arrive for Thursday but the forecast is not favorable. The only incident of Wednesday's brief session was Greg Ray's shunt in turn two. The accident was another test for the carbon fiber gearbox attenuator that became required safety equipment in the latter half of the 1997 season. The device made of carbon fiber with a honey-comb design was put in place to help dissipate the G forces from the gearbox into the driver's tub area. Ray's car, even though it was a write off, broke apart as it is designed to do. Even with heavy impact with the wall Ray was able to walk away unscathed. Due to the inclement weather the IRL officials have added an additional day to this test session. Top Speeds from Wednesday December 10, 1997 Billy Boat 162.660 Buddy Lazier 161.667 Roberto Guerrero159.518 Kenny Brack 158.730 Arie Luyendyk 156.563 Stan Wattles 152.439 Jimmy Kite 150.981 Jeff Ward 150.924 Greg Ray 150.912 Tony Stewart 120.180 David Treffer -- The Auto Channel