IRL: Indy 500: Treadway files first entry

Treadway Files First Entry For 86th Indianapolis 500
Two-time winner Luyendyk named to drive

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002 - Treadway & Associates Racing has won the race to become the first entrant for the Indianapolis 500 for the second consecutive year.

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk was named as the driver on the entry filed Feb. 25 by the Indianapolis-based team.

The 86th Indianapolis 500 is May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Entry invitations were mailed Feb. 22, and entries must be postmarked by April 3. All drivers will compete for one of the 33 starting spots in the world's most prestigious auto race.

Luyendyk, from Scottsdale, Ariz., will attempt to win the Indianapolis 500 for the third time. He would join elite company with a third victory, as only eight drivers have achieved that feat.

He exited retirement last year to race at Indy with Treadway, starting sixth and finishing 13th.

Luyendyk won at Indy in 1990 and 1997, taking the second title with Treadway Racing. He won the pole at Indy in 1993, 1997 and 1999 and holds nearly every major speed record at the track. Luyendyk, 48, will attempt to make his 17th Indianapolis 500 start.

Treadway is fielding a primary and backup No. 5 G Force/Chevrolet/Firestone for Luyendyk with sponsorship from Meijer. Skip Faul is the chief mechanic and team manager.

-irl/ims-