IRL: Michigan Speedway - Michigan natives spotlight

TEN MICHIGAN NATIVES FIND HOME IN IRL INDYCAR® SERIES

BROOKLYN, MI -- Teams in the IRL IndyCar® Series are comprised of individuals from all across the United States. From drivers, to owners, to mechanics, these individuals play an integral part of the success of the IndyCar Series.

As the IndyCar Series invades Michigan International Speedway for this weekend's Firestone Indy 400, many team members will be making a homecoming. A total of 10 IndyCar Series team members, representing six teams are from locations around Michigan.

Highlighting the list of Michigan-born IndyCar Series ties is Bryan Herta, one of the four drivers from the Andretti Green Racing team. Herta calls Southern California home now, but was born and raised in Warren, Mich. Also, Ricardo Nault, the chief mechanic on the 2004 Indianapolis 500-winning team of Buddy Rice, is from Detroit. Team owner Robbie Buhl from Dreyer and Reinbold Racing also grew up outside Detroit in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Below is a list of all IndyCar Series Michigan ties:

Bryan Herta, driver (Car No. 7) at Andretti Green Racing -- Warren

Ricardo Nault, chief mechanic (15) at Rahal Letterman Racing -- Detroit

Robbie Buhl, team co-owner (24) at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing -- Grosse Pointe

Craig Baranouski, team manager at A.J. Foyt Racing -- Coldwater

Don Skinner, right rear tire changer (26) at Andretti Green Racing -- Brighton

David Seyffert, asst. race engineer (27) at Andretti Green Racing -- Grand Rapids

Gary Frost, crew chief (24) at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing - Romeo

Ron Smith, air jack (24) at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing -- Three Rivers

John Slater, tire changer (8) at Delphi Fernandez Racing -- Muskegon

Gary Pennison, tire changer (33) at Target Chip Ganassi Racing -- East Lansing

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Tickets are still available for Sunday's Firestone Indy 400 at MIS by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010, or by logging on to www.MISpeedway.com.

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