IRL: Phoenix Copper World Sunday notes

AVONDALE, ARIZ (March 17, 2002) - Notes from the Bombardier ATV Copper World Indy 200:

Pre-race festivities featured an incredible feat by a Bombardier personal off-road vehicle. The ATV was hooked to a full size tractor trailer, dragging it down the front straightaway to turn one. After the 500cc vehicle pulled the enormous rig to turn one, it was unhooked to lead the first pace lap.

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Anthony Lazzaro, driver of the Sam Schmidt Motorsports No. 99, was taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center after complaining of back pain. After initial x-rays, Lazzaro was admitted to the hospital for further evaluation.

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Helio Castroneves' win from the pole was the fifth time the feat had been accomplished by a Team Penske driver. Rick Mears' victory in 1990 was Team Penske's last win from the pole at PIR.

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Castroneves becomes the fastest driver to win two races in the Indy Racing League, taking only four races to do so. It took Arie Luyendyk eight starts to win his second race.

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A bulletin was sent to all teams this weekend advising, "All crew members participating in activities on the track side of pit wall must wear IRL approved headgear during all races." The advisory specifies Simpson LX, Simpson MX and Simpson Shorty headgear. Teams wishing to use alternative headgear must have the approval of the IRL's Medical Director, Dr. Henry Bock.

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John Wallace of the NBA Phoenix Suns was in the Brayton Racing team pits this afternoon, providing support for driver John de Vries.

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Buddy Jobe, President of Phoenix International Raceway was the first promoter to sign with the Indy Racing League in 1995. Jobe, who bought the facility in 1985 and sold it to ISC in 1997, will retire in July.

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After losing an engine in the morning practice session, Billy Boat's Curb Records team was forced to perform an engine change on short order. The team started at 10:30. One hour and 27 minutes later, they completed the job. Boat finished the race in eighth place.