Barron, driving the Ford-powered Lola sponsored by Driving 101, was to start 19th for the race on the 2.029-mile oval. However, a Pi Box failure forced Barron to pit on the warm-up lap and he started the 250-lap race at the back of the 26-car field. The weather forecast called for warm temperatures with cloudy skies but a front moved in late last night bringing in light to heavy rain. The regular scheduled warm-up was canceled and the race was delayed. Immediate refueling and the start of the race followed a 15-minute warm-up

Today’s race paid $1 million to the winner and is one of the richest paydays in all of motorsports. Barron and Arciero-Blair Racing wanted the payday but also to finish their first season in CART competition at the front of the field. Barron and the team did not disappoint by racing from the back of the field and led the race, ran in the top ten for over 90 laps; challenging at the front with brilliant speed, driving ability and race strategy. Barron had the Driving 101 entry in the top-ten by lap 31; top-five by lap 116 and in the lead by lap 119. After regular pit stops the #25 Arciero-Blair entry was back in the top-ten by lap 140 and stayed there for conclusion of the race except during one final pit stop. Due to safety concerns from the officials with the dimming light and poor race conditions, the race was shortened first to 230 laps and then to 220 laps. Barron was in 11th place and moving up but with four laps to go a caution flag was flown and the race finished under yellow. The Lola-Ford finished ninth.

"We had a great car today that was balanced and a strong Ford motor," said Barron. "I wanted a stronger finish but with the race shortened it reduced my chances to get closer to the front. The team, the Lola and the Ford were flawless today. It was tough to jump into the car for the last two races of the season and I wanted a good showing for Arciero-Blair Racing. I had a mishap at Australia that was my fault causing us to run a 2000 car here this weekend. This strong finish is a credit to all of them. It was good to run a good race and have my family and friends here; I’m happy with the outcome."

"Running Alex showcased his talent and his experience on running on the difficult super speedways," said Larry Blair, team owner. "Running a 2000 chassis and leading the race with it is an achievement for the team. Finishing in the top ten demonstrates our continued desire for a good ending and to run at the front. We are continuing to work on our team and plans for the 2002 season and hope to announce them in the near future."

Driving 101 is the first and only driving experience in the world to offer a fleet of 20 full-sized Champ Cars. Clients range from corporations that use the innovative driving school to reward employees to celebrities and race fans. It has also been used as a popular birthday or special occasion gift by many of the over 6,000 students who have attended one of Driving 101’s classes. Its four different locations are Chicago Motor Speedway, a 1.029-mile oval, California Speedway, a 2.029 oval, Texas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval. Many different programs are available; all programs include safety, classroom and trackside instruction followed by an actual driving experience where you can "Feel the Speed," on a professional racetracks.

Program information can be found www.driving101.com. www.BlairRacing.com keeps fans up-to-date with all the latest team news, photos and information. For more information or updates on the FedEx Championship Series go to www.CART.com.