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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