Vision Racing & Tony George
source:
irl.racing-live.com
While the key component of any IndyCar Series open
test is teams turning laps on-track, tomorrow's test at Phoenix International
Raceway may prove equally as interesting off the track. Tony George, Indy Racing
League founder and the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is set to
announce the formation of his own IRL team.
George's stepson, Ed Carpenter, is expected to be named the driver of the
IndyCar Series entry while United States Auto Club standout Jay Drake will pilot
the team's Menards Infiniti Pro Series car. There are also several possible
scenarios that could see the team expand to multiple cars in both series.
The team, which is likely to be called 'Vision Racing', will not participate in
testing at Phoenix alongside the other 20 cars. As the deal to put this team
came together very late, the team is just not prepared to test. It is believed
the team will join the recently announced Hemelgarn Racing entry in private
testing next week here at Phoenix International Raceway.
Hemelgarn also got a late start and is not prepared to test this week in
Phoenix, though driver Paul Dana is in attendance to watch and learn.
Tony George recently acquired the assets of Kelley Racing when Tom Kelley
decided to shutter the team following the 2004 season. Kelley's former driver
Scott Sharp took his Delphi sponsorship to Fernandez Racing where that team's
Honda power is expected to significantly upgrade Sharp's chances of victory.
Carpenter struggled through his rookie season with Red Bull Cheever Racing,
suffering from crashes and disappointing finishes. Now that he will be racing
for his step father in a team managed by Larry Curry, Carpenter will face a
totally different kind of pressure to perform.
A key aspect of George's new team is the Pro Series entry for 2004 USAC National
Sprint Champion Jay Drake. Often accused of forgetting the short track stars
that were once the foundation of IndyCar Racing, George has hired one of USAC's
most talented and popular drivers.
Drake is a one time starter in the Pro Series, starting and finishing fourth at
the 2004 Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, today he turned
his first laps at Phoenix in a rear engine car, testing a Brian Stewart prepared
entry for 97 laps. The team is expected to take delivery of its own Pro Series
equipment later this week.
Today's experiences, along with the potential opportunity to race in the IndyCar
Series, were both very exciting for the 35 year old Southern California native.
"It is just a thrill to get to run this type of racecar," said Drake. "As a
child I always wanted to be Rick Mears when I grew up, and now maybe I'll get
that chance."