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24.MAR
Blair
Racing at California Speedway IRL Race FONTANA,
Calif. (March 24, 2002) Local southern California driver Alex Barron
of Menifee, Calif. and Blair Racing returned today to America's
ultimate race place, California Speedway. Blair and Barron competed
in the Indy Racing League (IRL) series. Today's race, the Yamaha
Indy 400, was the third race in the 2002 IRL championship that will
run a total of 15 events, including the Indianapolis 500. Barron
finished 12th in the 400-mile event.
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The Chevrolet-powered by McLaren
entry started 20th for the 200-lap race on the two-mile paved oval.
Over one million dollars in posted awards makes the checkered flag a
highly cherished prize. Barron, however, has a lot to settle with the
track; he has led here twice and run at the front with victory
slipping away in the final laps. In addition, the Yamaha Indy 400
marks the first time the IRL has visited California Speedway. It also
marks the premier IRL event in the state of California. It was the
first IRL race to take place on a two-mile track as well as marking
the first 400-mile event to take place in the seven-year history of
the IRL. It was the second-longest race in league history, 400 miles;
second only to the Indianapolis 500.The temperatures cooled and the
winds picked up for today's race. Barron moved the Blair Racing entry
into ninth by lap 36 and ran as high as seventh. He held in 13th for
most of the race, battling with the field after each pit stop. The pit
stops were good and Barron worked the field running within mid pack
all day.
"We've had a lot of ups and
downs over the past two weeks and over this whole weekend," said
Barron. "But we definitely had a good handling car all weekend.
Blair Racing did great pit stops today, in and out, and the restarts
were good. I got half way into the race and was surprised by the low
attrition. I was trying to save the car and engine and at that point I
figured we'd go for it. We have a good team here, the right team
owner, crew, spotter, engineer and the guy calling the race. We still
have a few things to work on to get to the front but we'll get there.
I'm happy racing in the IRL. I'm having fun. I'm looking forward to
Nazareth; it is another track I am familiar with."
"A top-twelve finish here
at a super speedway with a new car and new engine; I am pleased. I
think it was a good performance on behalf of the whole team. Alex
drove a solid race. We are ready for Nazareth," said team owner
Larry Blair.
Blair's Indianapolis based team
heads home after back-to-back racing weekends. The team moves east for
further testing. Blair Racing's next race will be the fourth of the
season, on Sunday, April 21; it will race at Nazareth Speedway. The
race will air on the ABC television network and the IMS Radio Network
at 1:00 p.m. eastern, please check local listings."
You can also check the IRL's official website, at
www.indyracing.com for more information, live timing and scoring.
www.BlairRacing.com keeps fans up-to-date with all the latest
team news and information.
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RACE
REPORT