Indy 500: Stewart Dominates Third Day of Practice
12 May 1998
INDIANAPOLIS, May 12, 1998 - Tony Stewart continued to serve notice that he is the favorite for the pole for the 82nd Indianapolis 500, turning a fast lap of 223.691 mph - more than 2 mph faster than his nearest competitor -- to lead practice for the second consecutive day.Defending Pep Boys Indy Racing League champion Stewart recorded his fastest lap in the Glidden-Menards Special Dallara/Aurora/Firestone during the last 10 minutes of the seven-hour practice. His best lap Monday was 223.703.
Pole Day is May 16 and Bump Day May 17 in the new, shortened qualifying format. The Indianapolis 500 is May 24.
"I don't care if we run 200 mph," Stewart said. "I just care if we get the pole. Then I'll be happy. For some strange reason, (A.J.) Foyt always seems to pull about three-tenths (of a second) out of his hat for qualifying, so we'll see."
Foyt's two drivers were in the top five for the second consecutive day. Kenny Brack was second fastest at 221.593 in the A.J. Foyt-Power Team Racing Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear. Billy Boat was fourth fastest at 220.060 in the Conseco A.J. Foyt Racing Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear. Scott Sharp was third at 220.092 in the Delphi Automotive Systems Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear.
Rookie Danny Drinan was unhurt when his D.B. Mann Development Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear did a half-spin in Turn 1 and hit the outside retaining wall with the left rear and left side of the car. Drinan was evaluated and released by Dr. Henry Bock, Speedway medical director.
Veteran Danny Ongais will not be cleared to drive in the race due to a slight concussion suffered in an accident Monday, Bock said. Ongais was released from Methodist Hospital on Tuesday.
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock was honored as part of the Speedway's Parade of Champions. He drove his STP Oil Treatment Wildcat for two laps around the track as part of his salute. Three-time Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford will be honored Wednesday.
Practice continues at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
