IPS: IRL: Indy Racing League News and Notes 2005-10-05

INDY RACING LEAGUE NEWS AND NOTES -- Oct. 5, 2005

Today's IRL headlines
1. Dixon's wreath to join others at Seneca Lodge
2. Barron visits Marines
3. Bussell joins law enforcement for GM event
4. Indianapolis 500 winners to participate in Firestone test

1. Dixon's wreath to join others at Seneca Lodge: Scott Dixon plans to send the laurel wreath he received for winning the Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix presented by Argent Mortgage to the Seneca Lodge to hang among the wreaths of the previous race winners at Watkins Glen.

The tradition dates back to the United States Grand Prix Formula One event at Watkins Glen International. Race winners would traditionally visit the Tavern Room at the nearby lodge to hang their wreaths on arrows behind the bar. Because wreaths are not given to NASCAR race winners, several tires hang from the ceiling of the lodge.

Meanwhile, Dixon will support Team New Zealand at this weekend's A1 GP World Cup round in Germany. Dixon will be in the pits as a guest of the team and will not be driving, New Zealand A1 grand prix team boss Bob McMurray said.

"Scott is interested in the series and is a very proud New Zealander," McMurray told reporters in New Zealand. "He is keen to be involved in our championship bid and we're delighted he's made the time to check out our operations and collaborate with (team driver) Jonny (Reid) in Lausitz."

2. Barron visits Marines: Red Bull Cheever Racing driver Alex Barron will meet with members of the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton near his hometown of Menifee, Calif., on Oct. 6.

Barron, driver of the No. 51 Red Bull Cheever Racing Toyota-powered Dallara, will sign autographs and promote the Toyota Indy 400 on Oct. 16 at California Speedway.

3. Bussell joins law enforcement for GM event: Hundreds of police officers from law enforcement agencies in five states descended on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Oct. 5. No, they weren't responding to an emergency, they were participating in General Motors' third annual Police Vehicle Test Drive.

The officers were able to test the 2006 Chevrolet Impala police car, which differs from the regular version available to consumers with enhanced suspension, axles and braking.

Joining the officers in navigating the 15-turn course, which featured two 180-degree turns, was Indy Racing League Menards Infiniti Pro Series^Ù driver Nick Bussell.

"It was a blast," said Bussell, who lapped the course in slightly more than 45 seconds. "I got to go a lot more than I thought I was going to get to go, so there was some practice in there. It was definitely really interesting."

Bussell, who ranks fourth in the point standings and has 10 top-five finishes in 13 starts, lapped the course in slightly more than 45 seconds, just a fraction of a second off the top time of the day.

"The cars were a lot of fun to drive, and I had a good time. I'd keep going all day if I could," Bussell said.

4. Indianapolis 500 winners to participate in Firestone test: The winners of four of the last five Indianapolis 500s will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Oct. 6 as part of a manufacturer's test for Firestone.

2005 Indianapolis 500 winner and newly crowned IRL IndyCar® Series champion Dan Wheldon, 2004 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves are scheduled to participate in the two-day test on the 2.5-mile oval.

The public is welcome to watch testing, free of charge, from the South Terrace Grandstand located in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Parking is available in the Hall of Fame Museum parking lot.

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The 10th season of IndyCar Series competition continues with the Toyota Indy 400 at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) on Oct. 16 at California Speedway. The race will be broadcast by ESPN and the IMS Radio Network. The race broadcast also will be carried on XM Satellite Radio channel 152 (XM Extreme). The next Menards Infiniti Pro Series race is the California 100 on Oct. 16 at California Speedway. The ESPN2 race telecast will also be available live on ESPN360.com. It will be telecast at 3 p.m. (EDT) on Oct. 20.

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