NASCAR Cup

Indianapolis: Dale Jarrett preview

Jarrett looking for Brickyard win ...

Published: Aug 1, 2002, 10:44 AM

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Jarrett looking for Brickyard win #3

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 30, 2002 --- The "Brickyard 400" is one of NASCAR's most prestigious events - considered by many to be second only to the "Daytona 500." The Winston Cup Series has raced at the famed 2.5-mile D-shaped "brickyard" since 1994. In those eight events, only five drivers have graced the track's hallowed victory lane. Dale Jarrett and the #88 UPS Racing team have accomplished that feat twice winning in 1996 and again in '99. Jarrett will attempt to match Jeff Gordon's three wins in Indy this Sunday, August 4th. NBC will provide live racing coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. CST.

Jarrett Looks To Capitalize On Indy Experience
As a two-time winner at Indianapolis, Jarrett has become well acquainted with getting around the flat, 2.5-mile speedway. In his eight starts, Jarrett has scored four top fives and five top 10s. Considered to be one of NASCAR's grandest events, the Brickyard 400 is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

"Indianapolis is just a unique track in that it is such a different place to race when compared to the other tracks on the Winston Cup schedule. It's totally different. It's a flat track and it has lengthy straights that require a lot of horsepower to navigate. Obviously, having a good engine helps getting down the straightaway but ultimately handling is the key and getting through the corners is what it's all about. You also have to be a little bit fortunate, too. I've had good race cars at the Brickyard and not won races, so you have to be lucky and kind of have things fall your way, plus you have to do everything right. There aren't many people who get lapped there, so you have a lot of cars on the same lap and you can't afford to have any problems. Otherwise, you find yourself way back at a race track that's very difficult to pass on."

* Since the #88 Robert Yates Racing team was formed in 1996, the team's average finish in Indianapolis is 7th.
* Jarrett has lead 186 laps at Indianapolis in the track's eight Winston Cup Series events.
* The last three "Brickyard 400" winners have gone on to win the Winston Cup championship. Jarrett accomplished the feat in 1999, Bobby Labonte and Jeff Gordon followed it up with their championship runs in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Track Changes To Indy Should Provide More Side-By-Side Action
"The track isn't necessarily smoother because it's always been one of the smoothest racing surfaces that we compete on," Jarrett said. "During testing we learned that there seems to be more grip, which translates into more cornering speeds and faster speeds overall. I also think that because of that grip, we have a wider race track right now and I believe that's going to allow us to race side-by-side more and make more passes. It's a plus for us right now from what I was able to see in testing."

Jarrett To Sign Autographs At IRP
Jarrett is one of a handful of drivers who will participate in Ford Fan Day at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Thursday, August 1st. Jarrett will sign autographs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. In order to insure an autograph, autographs will be guaranteed for only 450 fans. Fans wanting to meet Jarrett should arrive early. In addition, Jarrett will participate in a question and answer session for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before an exclusive autograph session for fans that donate $50 to the Susan G. Komen breast foundation.

-ryr/ups-

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