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Indy 500: Stewart Turns Fastest Lap in History for New IRL Cars

11 May 1998

Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart
INDIANAPOLIS - Tony Stewart led all drivers during the second day of practice for the 82nd Indianapolis 500 at 223.703 mph, the fastest lap ever at Indianapolis Motor Speedway by a new-formula Pep Boys Indy Racing League car.

Defending league champion Stewart turned the fast lap in his primary Glidden-Menards Special Dallara/Aurora/Firestone at 11:34 a.m., just 34 minutes into the seven-hour practice session. He completed 27 laps of the 2.5-mile oval in his primary car and 28 in his backup.

"Eighty percent of it is motor, 10 percent aerodynamics and 10 percent tires," Stewart said of the jump in speeds.

Stewart had recorded the previous fastest lap by a new-formula IRL car, 223.104 mph, during testing April 20. New-formula IRL cars are powered by normally aspirated engines. Arie Luyendyk recorded the fastest official lap ever at the Speedway, 239.260 mph, during practice May 10, 1996. IRL cars used turbocharged engines that year. The league switched to the new formula in January 1997.

Pole Day is May 16 and Bump Day May 17 in the new, shortened qualifying format. The Indianapolis 500 is May 24. The race is the third of 11 this season in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League.

Scott Sharp was second fastest Monday at 222.107. Kenny Brack and Billy Boat, driving for the legendary A.J. Foyt, were third and fourth, respectively, at 222.080 and 222.008.

Veteran Danny Ongais was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for observation and tests after spinning and hitting the outside wall with the left and left rear of his car while exiting Turn 3. Ongais was unconscious briefly after the accident but is awake, alert and in good condition, said Dr. Henry Bock, Speedway medical director.

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser was honored as part of the Speedway's Parade of Champions. He drove his Rislone Special for two laps around the track as part of his salute. Two-time Indy 500 winner Gordon Johncock will be honored Tuesday and will drive two laps in the STP Oil Treatment Wildcat that he guided to victory in 1982.

Practice continues at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

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