The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

IRL: Busy Week Planned for First Open Test at IMS

10 April 1998

INDIANAPOLIS- Next week plans to be busy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as the first Indy-style open test in the history of the historic oval will take place April 14-17. Fans are welcome to enjoy the test sessions free of charge. The general public can enter through Gate 2, which will be open each day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fans can view the Rookie Orientation Program on Tuesday and Wednesday from the South Terrace stands. Fans can watch veteran drivers test Thursday and Friday from the First Turn Terrace, South Terrace, and Tower Terrace stands. Wheelchair-accessible stands located between Turns 1 and 2 will also be open.

Pep Boys Indy Racing League teams, both new and old, will arrive at the track Monday. After the open test ends Friday, the week's activity at the Speedway will conclude Saturday with tire tests by Goodyear and Firestone.

All teams will use the test sessions to prepare for the 82nd Indianapolis 500, May 24.

Rookies attending ROP include a list of talented drivers from such series as U.S. F2000, Formula Atlantic, USAC Silver Crown, USAC sprint and USAC midget. Rookies expected include Jimmy Kite, Brian Tyler, J.J. Yeley, David Steele, Dan Drinan, Stan Wattles, Donnie Beechler and Robby Unser. This talented group of newcomers to IMS will be vying for Bank One Rookie of the Year Honors awarded at a reception preceding the Victory Banquet on May 25.

Veterans expected to participate in the open test include Indianapolis 500 winners Arie Luyendyk and Buddy Lazier, and Pep Boys IRL series champions Tony Stewart and Scott Sharp. Other veterans planning to test include Roberto Guerrero, Eddie Cheever Jr., Jeff Ward and Scott Goodyear.

There will also be plenty of activity off the track as 500 to 2,000 students per day are expected to tour the Speedway during the tests. Students from throughout Indiana will visit the Hall of Fame Museum and observe testing from Tower Terrace stands located behind the pit area. Students will also visit an infield hospitality area where they will enjoy lunch and learn about "Safety in Racing."

Media credentials: Media planning to cover the open test must contact the public relations office at (317) 484-6780 and arrange to pick-up a special access pass for use April 14-18.