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IRL: Ward Takes Inspiration from Special Youngster into Atlanta

25 August 1998

Jeff Ward
HAMPTON, Ga., -- He certainly knows how to keep smiling.

Jeff Ward is knocking on the door for his first career Pep Boys Indy Racing League victory, and he knows that by all rights it shouldn't be far away.

And while he continues to seek victory lane, Ward has made a young friend very happy, a kid who will never forget Jeff Ward.

Ward and his ISM Racing-Prolong-Superflo G-Force/Aurora/Goodyear will soon head to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Atlanta 500 Classic presented by MCI on Aug. 29, where "Wardy" hopes to avoid the various setbacks that have plagued him thus far this season.

He has been so close, so very close. He has led five of the eight Pep Boys Indy Racing League races contested thus far, and posted runner-up finishes at Orlando, Fla., and Charlotte, N.C. At the most recent event, the Radisson 200 at Pikes Peak International Raceway on Aug. 16, Ward built a 13-second lead and threatened to dominate the event before crashing after leading 97 laps.

While at Pikes Peak, he turned a chance meeting with a little boy into something very special.

Five-year-old Eric Meinig was seriously burned in a car accident a year ago, and he continues to recover from his injuries. While Eric and his dad wandered the pits a couple of days before the race, Ward spotted the youngster, standing under the blazing sun.

And he remembered the pain of so long ago.

When Ward was 2 years old, he suffered life-threatening burns when he opened a hot water bottle, with the scalding liquid spilling over his neck and chest.

As those memories touched the surface, Ward extended an invitation to the boy and his father to step into the shade of Ward's garage. They became fast friends, and Ward soon discovered that Eric's father, Dr. Rick Meinig, is the medical director at PPIR.

That was before Ward suited up for Sunday's battle. As he led lap after lap and began to pull away from the field, Ward's spirits soared. They were soon dashed, though, when his day ended on the 118th lap.

"You always need some breaks in racing, and it's just that we've had some bad luck," Ward said. "It's tough, but you just move on to the next race. There's no point in dwelling on your bad luck."

After his crash, Ward was taken to the PPIR infield care center, where he was checked and immediately released with no injuries. He was cheered when his little buddy, Eric, was nearby to offer some solid friendship and support.

As the two pals talked, Ward was in no hurry to leave the center, as doctors, nurses and paramedics looked on. Soon, Ward headed outdoors and walked to his transporter, where he grabbed the helmet that he had worn at this year's Indianapolis 500.

Not just any old helmet. The INDY helmet.

He had someone deliver it to the infield care center, when it was presented to Eric. The stunned youngster could only look at it in awe, as the medical personnel swallowed and blinked at such extraordinary generosity and compassion.

"This is something Eric will really appreciate when he gets older," said Dr. Meinig. "It meant a lot to everyone. There really isn't anything you can say."

Now, Ward takes his hopes to Atlanta, where he admits he has enjoyed his testing experience.

"It's a super smooth track, with lots of opportunity for passing," he said. "I'm really looking forward to it ? I like the banked tracks, it makes for competitive, good racing.

"Unlike a flat track, the banks in the corners tend to overpower the car, and it allows you to basically go where you want with the car. It's a lot of fun."

Ward, 37, began racing motocross bikes when he was just 5 years old. He later became an AMA national champion before retiring from competitive riding in 1992. Today, in addition to his Pep Boys Indy Racing League career, he remains a consultant to Team Kawasaki.

His years of riding taught him the value of good physical conditioning, which he continues to practice. He trains "pretty hard", and continues to compete in biathlons and triathlons.

Ward's consistency has gained him a fan following in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, and many in the series believe it is just a matter for time before Ward steps up to the top platform at the podium. When he does, there will be happiness among Ward and his many friends and followers.

Including Eric Meinig. His little Colorado buddy.

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