Interview source: paddocktalk.com We're joined now by Buddy Lazier. Good afternoon, Buddy. BUDDY LAZIER: Good afternoon. MODERATOR: Buddy won the Indianapolis 500 in 1996 and the IndyCar Series Champion in 2000. He made six starts for Panther Racing last year, finishing in the top 10 in five of those, including the fifth‑place finish at Indianapolis. And as I mentioned earlier, Buddy will drive the No. 5 Dallara/Honda/Firestone entry for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in 2006. So Buddy, congratulations on getting that worked out. This is obviously the first time in a couple of years now that you've gone into the season with a full‑time ride lined up. Can you tell us a little bit about how the deal came together, and just really how you feel about being back full‑time? BUDDY LAZIER: Well, I enjoyed what I did last year and definitely it was a goal to get back to full‑time running. I know there's a lot still pending with Dreyer & Reinbold in terms of future announcements and other things. As far as the way it came together, it was very last minute. But I had worked with Dennis (Reinbold), I always enjoyed Dennis and Robbie Buhl. I ran with him back in 2004 just for the Indianapolis 500 for the last two weeks and that was a positive experience. I know that as a team that is easier to grow and improve. You know, it was nice to make this test, but there were so many people on the team that literally were hired the day before they left. So it was a bit of just getting out and starting to work with one another and we were not pleased with the optimum performance that we were able to achieve, but we have a lot of areas that we can work on now.
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