CART: U.S. 500 Provides an Exciting Challenge for Moore and Carpentier
25 July 1998
BROOKLYN, MI: Greg Moore and Patrick Carpentier have both had some exhilarating moments at the U.S. 500, and the Player's teammates are hoping the experience will be even more memorable when they compete in this year's FedEx Championship Series event on the 2 mile Michigan International Speedway this weekend.
Greg Moore
"This race is a real treat, for drivers and fans alike," said Moore, the Maple Ridge, B.C. driver who is currently third in the CART drivers' standings. "It's the ultimate test of endurance and durabillity and of a driver's ability to concentrate and remain focused for 500 miles. It's a really special race, and I'm looking forward to it."
Two years ago, in the inaugural U.S. 500, Moore was running in second place, poised for a battle with leader and eventual winner Jimmy Vasser, but had to retire with 25 laps left in the race. In 1997, a malfunction of the turbo regulator ended Moore's raceday after only 19 laps.
"I thin the entire Player's team relishes the challenge presented by the U.S. 500," remarked Moore. "Our last four races have been on road or street circuits, where it's often difficult to pass and have wheel-to-wheel racing. But at Michigan, with it's high banking (18 degrees in the corners), we're sure to have lots of excitement."
Carpentier, Of Joliette, Que., shares his teammate's enthusiasm about the U.S. 500. As a CART rookie last season, Carpentier was fearless on the sometimes-intimidating super-oval. In fact, he boldly moved into the lead on lap 130 and maintained that status for the next 14 laps before retiring with an electrical problem.
"Being out there last year and running at the front was a great learning experience for me, and I had a fantastic time on the superspeedway," said Carpentier, who is currently 19th in the CART standings with 12 points.
The 250 lap CART race begins at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and will be shown live on ABC television.
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