IRL: Treadway Phoenix Notes

Round 2 at The Phoenix International Raceway Phoenix, AZ-Treadway Racing and pilot Arie Luyendyk got a rather unique chance to "examine" the track this weekend during Dura Lube 200 run on the Phoenix International Raceway. Shortly after lap 58 in the 200 lap race, Arie Luyendyk in the #5 Sprint PCS/RadioShack/Qualcomm entry had an incident with Team Scandia Driver Eliseo Salazar and became caught up in a rather spectacular accident. Luyendyk, who had moved steadily up through the field from his starting position of 19th to settle comfortably into 12th, had his eye on the front row when Salazar spun out directly in front of him as they headed into turn two. Luyendyk and the Treadway Team had nowhere to go, and as they struggled to avoid the incident, the #5 G-Force/Aurora/Firestone package was taken for a quick ride upside down across the track. The incident was a testimony to the strength and durability of Luyendyk's helmet, as he was able to get out of the car and walk away from the infield medical center with only a few minor scratches and the severely abraded helmet. "I slid across the track upside down," said Luyendyk. "I could feel the heat radiating off of the helmet while I was sliding. It was incredible. It was actually kind of cool." The second round of the IRL season proved bittersweet for the Treadway Racing Team. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that Luyendyk walked away unscathed, but the incident left the team with a mere six points toward the 1998 IRL Championship. "I am naturally disappointed with our result," stated Luyendyk. We worked hard all weekend to get the car where we wanted it, and to finish this way is a tough break. I just had nowhere to go when Salazar spun. The seat belts held well while I was sliding, but my natural reaction was to reach up toward my helmet, and I scraped my hand up a bit. I am fine, but I am disappointed for all of our sponsors. We put a lot of effort into this race." The Phoenix International Raceway has proved to be a blessing and a curse for the unique combination of veteran driver, and rookie team owner. Luyendyk and the team captured the pole, victory and track record at PIR their first time out in 1996. In addition, the Sommelsdyk native is the only driver in the IRL series this year to have won two Indy-style races at that particular track. However, the past two years have brought disappointment for the team at PIR. "We just have to re-group," stated Luyendyk. "It is already over and it is time to think about Indianapolis." The final results of the Dura Lube 200 at Phoenix International Raceway are as follows: FP Car # Driver Entrant

1       8               Scott Sharp                     Kelley Racing
2       1               Tony Stewart                    Team Menard
3       11              Billy Boat                      A.J. Foyt Enterprises
4       77              Stephan Gregoire                Chastain Motorsports
5       35              Jeff Ward                       ISM Racing
6       4               Scott Goodyear                  Panther Racing,LLC
7       99              Sam Schmidt                     LP Racing, Inc.
8       30              Raul Boesel                     McCormack Motorsports
9       12              Buzz Calkins                    Bradley Motorsports
10      51              Eddie Cheever Jr.               Team Cheever
11      97              Greg Ray                        Thomas Knapp Motorsports
12      3               Robbie Buhl                     Team Menard
13      20              Tyce Carlson                    Immke Racing
14      14              Kenny Brack                     A.J. Foyt Enterprises
15      10              Mike Groff                      Byrd/Cunningham
16      28              Mark Dismore                    Kelley Racing
17      17              Brian Tyler                     Chitwood Motorsports
18      7               Jimmy Kite                      Team Scandia
19      18              John Paul                       PDM Racing
20      16              Marco Greco                     Phoenix Racing
21      23              Paul Durant                     CBR Cobb Racing
22      22              Dave Steele                     RSM Marko, Inc.
23      15              Eliseo Salazar                  R & S Cars Inc.
24      5               Arie Luyendyk                   Treadway Racing
25      44              J.J. Yeley                      SRS Racing
26      6               Davey Hamilton                  Nienhouse Motorsports
27      21              Roberto Guerrero                Pagan Racing
28      91              Buddy Lazier                    Hemelgarn Racing

The next event on the Pep Boys IRL schedule is the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 1998.