Eddie Cheever Jr. calls his return to the Indianapolis 500 the "biggest challenge I've ever undertaken." So far, it's going well. source: cheeverracing.com Cheever has been among the fastest drivers during the first three days of practice leading up to Saturday's first day of qualifying for the 90th Indy 500. His best lap -- 221.631 mph on Wednesday -- ranks 19th among the 29 drivers who have practiced, and he expects to land a strong starting position for the May 28 race. Not bad considering he hasn't raced at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2002. The 1998 Indy 500 winner, Cheever sat out the last three 500s to focus on his race team, Cheever Racing, which is fielding teams this year in the IRL IndyCar Series, Rolex Grand Am Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve and the IRL Indy Pro Series. Returning to the race car was a natural progression for Cheever, who began racing at the age of 12 and has competed in Formula One, IndyCar, stock-car and sports-car racing. "I often thought I came out of the womb with a steering wheel in my hand," said Cheever, 48. "I know one day I have to put it down, but not yet. It is always a great honor to drive in the Indianapolis 500. I started racing when I was 12 and am still racing at 48. I have a great passion for racing." This will be Cheever's 14th Indy 500. His journey began in 1990, when he finished eighth and was named the race's rookie of the year. He finished fourth in 1992, won in '98, and finished fifth in 2000 and 2002. He also holds the record for the fastest race lap with an average speed of 236.103 mph set in 1996. "I have some unfinished business here," Cheever said. "The last time I drove at Indy, I was fighting with Tracy right at the end of the race. He went on to catch Castroneves and finish second. I missed my chance when I got sideways between one and two and took too long to clean my shorts out."
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