IRL: Phoenix Friday Notes

Phoenix, AZ (March 17, 2000) - Indy Racing Northern Light Series Notes - Day One.

Team Cheever announced a new team sponsor yesterday afternoon at Phoenix International Raceway. Excite@Home (Nasdaq: ATHM) and Team Cheever have agreed to a two year marketing partnership which will bring the best of racing and broadband to race fans worldwide. Visit http://sports.excite.com to learn more about Team Cheever and Indy racing.

Eddie Cheever has switched from a Riley & Scott chassis to a Dallara. Cheever ran the Dallara in both practice sessions today. The team will keep the Riley & Scott chassis as a back up.

Arie Luyendyk will sign autographs at the IRL crew booth just behind the main grandstands at turn four on Saturday at 12:00 noon. Indianapolis 500 collectibles and memorabilia will be sold to raise money for the Sam Schmidt 'Racing to Recovery' Foundation.

Letters of encouragement can be sent to Sam Schmidt by writing to:

Sam Schmidt
Attn: Public Relations Department
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
1 Barnes Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110

Thirty-eight NASCAR Craftsman Series trucks are on hand for this Saturday's Chevy Trucks 200. Greg Biffle set the fastest lap in morning practice with a lap at 128.608 mph. Joe Ruttman set the fastest lap in the afternoon session with a lap at 126.068 mph.