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Ernie Irvan's highlights at California Speedway include capturing the outside pole position at the inaugural event in 1997 and finishing 13th last year. After starting second in 1997, the "M&M's"Â® Racing Team driver led six laps before falling out ...

Edited: May 8, 2001, 12:19 PM

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Ernie Irvan's highlights at California Speedway include capturing the outside pole position at the inaugural event in 1997 and finishing 13th last year. After starting second in 1997, the "M&M's"® Racing Team driver led six laps before falling out of the race with engine problems.

Ernie Irvan is back in his home state for the California 500 at California Speedway. Irvan grew up in Salinas, which is in the northern part of the state, but moved to the Carolinas in the early eighties to pursue a career in racing. With 15 wins and 22 pole positions in his favor, Irvan admits the move east was the right one.

The 'big wreck' was inevitable last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, and the "M&M's"® Pontiac was a victim of the melee on lap 48 and was forced out of the event early. Irvan said the car was running strong prior to getting caught up in the accident.

"M&M's"® Racing Team driver Ernie Irvan will sign autographs on Thursday, April 29, from 5:30-7 p.m. The signing is part of the Ralph's Grocery Race Fest, which will take place on the grounds of California Speedway.

Ernie Irvan's thoughts on racing at California Speedway... "California Speedway is getting better every time we race there. When we first ran there it was pretty much a one-groove race track, but this time we 're going to be racing two wide. I pretty much expect to see someone set a new track record as well. California is a two-mile track and we turn some really fast speeds and quick times, that is why I expect to see a new track record. Who knows, maybe we'll be the team to set that new record. The "M&M' s"® Racing Team is on the brink of having some really good runs. All we need to do is put together a string of top finishes and we'll be in good shape."

Ernie Irvan at California Speedway Year Event St Fin Earnings 1997 California 500 2 37 36,500 1998 California 500 22 13 44,675 y Starts Wins Top Five Top 10 Poles Earnings Total 2 0 0 0 0 81,175

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