IRL: TeamXtreme Racing Pikes Peak post-race report

1-800-BAR NONE and Airton Dare' Finish in Top 5 at the Radisson INDY 200

Lazier Experiences Engine Failure that Lead to a Heart-Breaking Day in Pikes Peak

June 17, Pikes Peak -- 2000 Rookie of the Year Airton Dare' and the 1-800-BAR NONE crew secured a top 5 finish at the Radisson INDY 200 on a day of extremely high track temperatures and periodic gusts of wind. Balance, quick pit stops and a strong motor enabled the 1-800-BAR NONE TeamXtreme car to weave its way through the field from the #13 starting position to a #5 finish.

"Yesterday the track reached 140 degrees and there were gusts of wind close to 30 mph. We knew today we would face the same elements so the 1-800-BAR NONE crew worked hard to give me a well-balanced car to work with," says Dare'. "Right from the beginning the setup was neutral and easy to drive and that was the most important part of today's good showing. We made a small wing adjustment on the first pit stop and then made our way through the field."

Airton Dare' and TeamXtreme are in the top 10 in points going into the seventh race of the season in Richmond. A mere 5 points separates Dare' and TeamXtreme from the #7 position in points.

"We are in a good position going into the heart of the season," says general manager John Lopes.

Jaques Lazier began the Radisson INDY 200 next to his TeamXtreme teammate Airton Dare' in the #12 position. Within the first quarter of the race, Jaques was battling wheel to wheel for the #8 position. With each circuit around the scorching track, Jaques piloted the #77 car further through the field and brought his crowd of hometown fans to their feet. Before the midpoint of the race, Jaques dueled for the #5 spot in the field.

"On the first pit, the car was handling perfectly and all we needed to do was the routine tires and fuel," says Jaques. "We were closing in on the top 5 on our second pit stop on lap # 116 [during the yellow]. Everything was going very well and then the oil pressure just dropped off. It was a sad ending to what looked like a top 5 finish."

The Radisson INDY 200 marks the final race for Jaques Lazier with TeamXtreme unless another primary sponsor steps up during the 2001 Indy Racing season.

"We couldn't ask for anything more from Jaques," says general manager John Lopes. "He has performed so well for TeamXtreme and we look forward to working with him again in the future. He is a top-class driver and God willing, if another primary sponsor steps up, we will be thrilled to work with him for the balance of the season."

-TE-