08.SEP
Blair Racing Finishes 12th at Chicago

JOLIET, IL. (September 8, 2002) - Rayovac Blair Racing driver Alex Barron of San Diego, Calif. finished 12th today at Chicagoland Speedway.

Alex Barron moved up from the 18th position to finish 12th.

Only two races remain, on the Indy Racing League (IRL) 2002 schedule, the Rayovac Blair team is concentrating on the season end drivers' standings and entrant point standings. The Indianapolis based team entered today's race fifth in the drivers' championship standings and fifth in the entrant point standings. Barron, refreshed and ready from a weekend off is ready for the back to back race weekends as the season comes to a close. The Blair team tested here on the 1.5-mile, D-shaped tri-oval last week, working on this weekend's race setup and strategy; like some tracks this year, this is a new venue for the first year IRL team.

Barron qualified 18th for the 200 lap event that covered 300 miles. According to IRL reports, the starting field was tight, as just 0.6112 of a second separated the top 24 drivers. The 25 drivers battled hard in the Chicago heat running side by side giving the sold out grandstands a great show. Barron had to pit to have the crew change a blistered tire under green flag conditions, and he went a lap down. Despite the 12th place finish, Barron and Blair Racing remains unofficially fifth place in the drivers' standings.

The 2002 IRL season ends next week at the Texas Motor Speedway. The Chevy 500 will be held on the 1.5-mile oval. and will air at 3:00 p.m. (EDT). The fifteenth race of the season will also air live on the IMS Radio Network. The IRL's official website can help you locate a radio station near you; it also has live timing and scoring at www.indyracing.com.

Powerful facts about Rayovac: Rayovac is one of the world's leading battery and lighting device companies. Rayovac also markets the number-one selling rechargeable brand of battery in the U.S. with nearly a 70 percent share. In addition, the company is the world leader in hearing aid batteries with a 60 percent worldwide share. Rayovac trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ROV symbol. Rayovac markets a variety of batteries including alkaline and heavy duty batteries; lithium coin cells; zinc air hearing aid batteries; and rechargeable alkaline and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and chargers. The company also markets a broad line of battery-operated flashlights and lanterns. More information about Rayovac can be found at www.rayovac.com.

www.BlairRacing.com keeps fans up-to-date with all the latest team news and information.