Indianapolis Speedrome weekend preview

A triple header of racing shifts the 2001 racing season into high gear at America's busiest race track.

The action starts with the first event of the Friday night series tonight. The Carmel Sod Thundering Modifieds return led by defending champion Billy George. 2000 runner-up Doug Greig and 2-time champ Jim Begley challenge are expected to challenge George for top spot.

Joining them are a full field of veterans and hungry rookies. Bruce Cooper's Skyline Motel team brings two cars and a winning attitude to the table. Bruce Newlin Jr. looks strong for his sophomore season. Bob Higgins spent his winter working on the handling package to match his engine-building skills. Mike Stone, Billy Boyer, Kurt Nahre, Johnny Hargraves, and Dave Cumbee join battle in refreshed rides.

The rookie field is the strongest ever seen including a mix of racers moving up and total tyros. Cynthia Sizemore is expected to roll out her L. J. Lines machine after a very impressive practice season. Chris Shrum II climbs up from the Stock division. Porter Bennett, son of Speedrome Hall-of-Famer Harold Bennett, makes his short track debut. Billy George's grandson Timothy looks promising in his All Phase Landscaping machine. Joe Moore's Big Red's Tobacco Stores Modified is expected for his Speedrome chance at fame.

The Legends Mr. Excitement, David Sutton, headlines a 3-car team for his series-sponsoring Race City Auto Sales. Past champions Jeep Pflum and Doug Greig join Legend car regulars Al Renner, Mike McGreevy, Bill Coughlin, T. J. Sneva, Gary McIntosh, Eric Black, Ben Thomas and others. Among those filling the rookie ranks is Chad Cory, Wes Spillers and Mike Robertson of Robertson Drywall.

The Friday night show is filled out by the Sunshine Cafe Roadrunners and the Bomber Figure-8 cars.

Saturdays continue under the lights with the Bryant's 76 Late Models, Chuck's Race Car Parts Stocks and the Sunshine Cafe Roadrunners.

Sunday afternoon is the opening event in the Indiana Speedway Pavement Series for Go-karts. Over 100 Karts are expected for this family-friendly series opener.

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