IRL Indy 200 at WDW: Stewart Dominates Friday's Afternoon Practice
23 January 1998
Lake Buena Vista, FL--A forty-five minute practice session was dominated by tomorrow's pole sitter, Tony Stewart. Turning in consistent lap times, Stewart seems to be showing the other 27 entries that he will be out to defend his championship at the IRL season-opening race. The Menard Racing Team has worked a lot on set-up during the test sessions of December and early January. The other driver turning in quick times was Scott Sharp, who turned in the fastest lap of the day with a time of 21.733 seconds for a speed of 165.647 mph. Sharp, who will start in 21st place tomorrow, will undoubtedly be looking to work his way to the front. Stewart's best lap was a time of 21.796 seconds for a time of 165.168 mph.
Most teams used the practice session to work on full tank set-up, as well as scrubbing in tires. Roberto Guerro of Pagan Racing reported that he felt good about the practice times but was disappointed that his team did not get a shot at the pole. Pagan Racing, running without a major sponsor, has consistently remained in the top ten during winter testing and practice sessions this week-end. The team could be looking at a podium finish tomorrow.
One of the newcomers to the IRL, Raul Boesel of the #30 McCormack Motorsports G-Force team, commented on the rained out qualifying session "It's too bad about the rain. We made some adjustments to the car yesterday, and I really wanted to go out and see what we could do." With this being Boesel's first start in the IRL, he obviously wants to have a good showing. His stint in CART never produced a victory but he has had opportunity to win. Perhaps his experience as a seasoned veteran will show through this week-end. Boesel, by virtue of his owners points will be starting in 10th position.
Another practice session is scheduled for 9:45pm tomorrow.
Top ten from Todays Session: Best Speed Car# Driver Lap Time 165.647 8 Sharp 21.733 165.168 1 Stewart 21.796 163.480 11 Boat 22.021 163.221 6 Hamilton 22.056 163.184 14 Brack 22.061 162.881 4 Goodyear 22.102 161.878 15 Salazar 22.239 161.747 51 Cheever 22.257 161.711 3 Buhl 22.262 161.421 30 Boesel 22.302
David Treffer -- The Auto Channel
