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August 28, 2003
Brad Pollard Successfully Completes Infiniti Pro Series Test
Reaches Scorching Speeds Despite Record Heat in Chicago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN: Versatile racing veteran Brad Pollard completed 140 laps in an IRL Infiniti Pro Series car August 25 during testing for Sam Schmidt Motorsports at Chicagoland Speedway. Pollard, the 2002 SCCA Formula Mazda Southwest Division and National Division Champion, posted an unofficial fastest lap of 30.13 seconds, 179.222 mph on the 1.5 mile oval. His time bettered the pole speed established by A.J. Foyt IV at the 2002 Chicago 100. This speed was achieved despite record high temperatures in the Chicago area. Butch Meyer, Infiniti Pro Series Technical Director, observed the test.
“We used a conservative approach to build speed and Brad was patient and very smooth,” said Michael Crawford, Team Manager for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. “He is clearly a professional driver and made the test look easy.”
“The test was awesome, the crew was very helpful and the car was very well prepared,” stated Pollard. “This successful test is a huge step towards my ultimate goal of returning the Pollard name to the Indianapolis 500.”
Team owner Sam Schmidt was also pleased with the outcome of the test. “I am quite pleased with Brad’s discipline and feel for the race car. Considering the conditions and the fact that this was his first exposure to an IPS car, he adapted very quickly and ran impressive times.”
Pollard, from Redmond, Washington, has competed in SCCA Autocross, WERA Superbike, SKUSA shifter karts, SCCA Formula Mazda and Skip Barber Pro Dodge Series events. He has also completed tests in a Toyota Formula Atlantic car and a Pennzoil World of Outlaw sprint car. In 2002, Pollard secured the SCCA Southwest Division and SCCA National Division championships by capturing 11 poles and 14 victories in 21 races. Pollard’s athletic resume also includes professional ski racing, college pole vaulting and college football. More information on Brad may be found at www.pollardracing.com.
The Infiniti Pro Series is the official development series for the Indy Racing League. During the 12-race 2003 schedule, drivers will compete on the same tracks in conjunction with IRL IndyCar Series events. Drivers include Arie Luyendyk Jr., son of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, Freedom 100 winner Ed Carpenter and series points leader Mark Taylor.
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