IRL: Scott Harrington get ride for rest of season

LEBANON, Ind., April 8 ­ Scott Harrington, who starred in one of the most amazing stories of the 1999 Indy Racing League season in winning the Rookie of the Year title, is back on track again after missing the first two Indy Racing Northern Light races of the 2000 season due to a lack of sponsorship. What's more, the chemistry that so many teams lack is already cohesive in this effort, because Harrington is back racing with some trusted friends as teammates. Harrington, who used one Dallara and one Aurora engine in one of the most under-funded yet successful efforts in the IRL last year and won fans' hearts by competing in several events with broken legs and ribs, has signed with Nienhouse Motorsports Owner Bob Nienhouse. Their affiliation will begin with the next race, the Vegas Indy 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 22, the final tune-up for the 84th annual Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 28. American Hotel Register Company, the leading provider of hospitality needs world-wide, will continue to be the team's primary sponsor. "Scott is a dedicated driver who has spent his entire life in pursuit of the podium," noted Nienhouse. "I know that he will give his all for the effort and we look forward to working with him in continuing the great success he had last year as Rookie of the Year." The announcement marks the reunion of Harrington and one of the most dynamic couples in American motorsports, Larry and LeeAnne Nash. Larry Nash, whom Harrington has worked with on and off for 15 years, will act as technical director and team manager, while his wife will continue to handle administrative duties and oversee marketing, hospitality and a myriad of other concerns. The Nashes prepared the car that Harrington drove to a 15th place finish in the 1996 Indy 500. They also fielded the car that Harrington drove to the 1992 Shelby Can Am pro series title, posting that series' most consecutive victories, most victories in a single season and most career victories. They worked on Harrington's winning program on the tough Formula Atlantic circuit, and were even with him in the early stages of his four-wheeled career when he was winning Sports Renault events after being a motocross champion. "It's not like this is a 'new' effort where you have to get to know everyone; this is more like coming home," Harrington said. "Larry and I have had success in every series we've run together, beginning way back when with Sports Renaults. I couldn't be more pleased with the opportunity that Bob has offered me. We have the right equipment with the new 2000 Dallara, the right people, and a terrific sponsor in American Hotel Register Company. I believe we have a great shot at putting a mark in the 'win' column this season." "We're looking forward to working with Scott again," said Mr. Nash. "Scott is the best all-around driver that I have ever worked with from pit exit to checkered flag. It will be a pleasure to have this opportunity in the Indy Racing Northern Light series." "It's a terrific opportunity for Scott because it gets him back on the track again and he communicates so well with Larry," noted Gene Harrington, the head of Harrington Motorsports, which fielded the car his son drove last year. "Some drivers and engineers struggle to get that rapport for years and some never achieve it. Larry and Scott already work extremely well together, which is vital to a winning program. I'll be glad to go to Scott's races just as a parent again, although I will be available to serve in any areas where I might be of assistance." The primary car serving as the Nienhouse Motorsports Racing Special #17 will be a 2000 Dallara/Oldsmobile Aurora/Firestone tires combination. Veteran mechanic Steve Dunlap will be the crew chief.