The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 21

THE IKOANAPOUS STAR MONDAY. OCTOBER 10. 1994 B7 Tracy breezes to win in Mario's finale Laguna Seca 300 TOP 10 FINISHERS 1. Paul Tracy Penske-llmor 2. Raul Boesei Lola-Ford 3.

J. Villeneuve Reynard-Ford 4. E. Fittipaldi Penske-Umor 5. Teo Fabi Reynard-llmor 6.

Arie Luyendyk Lola-llmor 7. A.Fernandez Reynard-llmor 8. Nigel Mansell Lola-Ford 9. A. Montermini Lola-Ford 10.

Dominic Dobson Lola-Ford Final series points: 1, Ai Unser Jr. 225; 2. Fittipaldi 178; 3, Tracy 152; 4, Michael Andretti 118; 5, Robby Gordon 104. Spain. Tracy was unbeatable In earning his second straight victory at Laguna.

third win of the season and the eighth of his budding Indy-car career. Only Penske teammate Al Unser who clinched the series title with two races remaining In the season, appeared to have even a remote chance of catching Tracy, but Unser's transmission broke on the 75th lap. Tracy, the record-setting pole-winner, cruised to a 21.33-second victory over runner-up Raul Boe-sel. Jacques Villeneuve, the rookie who started beside Tracy on the front row, wound up third, followed by Emerson Fittipaldi, the third Penske driven Teo Fabi. Arie Luyendyk and Adrian Fernandez, the only other competitors on the lead lap.

Andretti was feted throughout the weekend and got a special sendoff Sunday, with wife Dee Ann and twin brother Aldo giving him the singular command. "Mario, start your engine." several seconds before the rest of the 29-car field roared to life. Andretti led a pace lap before falling back into his 12th-place starting spot as a huge Laguna Seca Raceway crowd roared and waved handkerchiefs and hats. The day quickly turned from one of nostalgia for the Andrettis to the brutal realities of racing. On the third turn.

Michael Andretti. Mario's eldest son. was sidelined and the father's car was damaged in a multi-car melee. The Incident began when Robby Gordon, who started fifth, tried to pass Unser, who started fourth. The two bumped front tires, sending Unser's car sliding off track and through the dirt.

Cars packed up behind them moments after the start began braking and taking evasive action, and a series of events caused considerable damage. Associated Press FOND FAREWELL Mario Andretti waves to the crowd at Monterey, before his final Indy-car race. NY marathon pioneer Fred Lebow succumbs GiJ'fi By Mike Harris ASSOCIATED PRESS Monterey, Calif. On a day when Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell bid farewell to Indy-car racing. Paul Tracy scored a convincing victory Sunday In the sea-son-ending Bank of America 300.

Andretti. driving in his 407th and last Indy-car race at age 54. had a frustrating day. damaging his car In a first-lap accident and winding up 19th after his engine blew four laps from the end. He wound up watching from the pits as Tracy took the checkered flag.

"I'm Just going to have to find out if there Is life after driving after all." Andretti said. "And I'm sure there Is." Mansell, the former Formula One champion departing after two seasons on the Indy-car circuit, stayed with the leaders throughout the 84-lap race on the 2.214-mile, 11 -turn Laguna Seca Raceway road circuit. The 1993 Indy- Charlotte's 1.5-mile tri-oval, and he roared past Shepherd as they went down the backstretch. Shepherd was unable to pull even again and his hopes were dashed when the seventh and final caution flew with less than two laps left after Michael and Darrell Waltrip wrecked on the backstretch. Jarrett took the white and yellow flags together, about four car-lengths ahead of Shepherd.

Darrell Waltrip finished the race but collapsed on pit road In exhaustion after he got out of his car. Michael Waltrip tried to finish -x ft Jarrett nips Shepherd for win in Mello Yello By Joe Macenka ASSOCIATED PRESS Concord. N.C. Dale Jarrett broke a 55-race wlnless streak Sunday by shooting past Morgan Shepherd with less than four laps left and holding on to win the Mello Yello 500 in a wild finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His third career victory, and first since the 1993 Daytona 500, Mello Yello 500 TOP 10 FINISHERS 1 Dale Jarrett Chevrolet 2.

Morgan Shepherd Ford 3. Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet 4. Ken Schrader Chevrolet 5. Lake Speed Ford 6. Brett Bodine Ford 7.

Terry Labonte Chevrolet 8. Derrike Cope Ford 9. Darrell Waltrip Chevrolet 10. Michael Waltrip Pontiac Series points leaders: 1, Earnhardt 4,291 2, Rusty Wallace 3, Mark Martin 4, Schrader 5, Ricky Rudd 3,613. came one week after Jarrett had failed to qualify for the race at North Wilkesboro.

N.C. "I was at the bottom of the ocean last Sunday," Jarrett said. "We have too good a team to not at least make a race. I think that gave everybody a good wake-up caU." Shepherd wound up second and Dale Earnhardt, who finished third, took a big step forward in his bid for a seventh Winston Cup season driving title. Earnhardt, who came In leading Rusty Wallace by 208 points, holds a 321 -point advantage with three events left.

Wallace broke a timing chain on Lap 256, relegating him to a 37th-place finish. "I hate to gain 'em that way," FIRED UP: It was a short day for NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte, the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. car PPG Cup champion wound up a lap down In eighth. The Briton will return to Formula One for the final three races of this season, leaving immediately after the race to begin readying himself to run In the Grand Prix of Europe next Sunday at Jerez, Associated Press whose car burst into flames at in his flaming Pontiac Grand Prix, but he finally abandoned It on the backstretch and let firefighters douse the flames. Both drivers were treated at the Infield care center and released.

Shepherd had Inherited the lead, about two seconds ahead of Jarrett, through a round of green-flag pit stops that began with 33 laps remaining. But with 10 laps to go, Ricky Rudd, who had just been passed by Jeff Gordon, nudged the rear of Gordon's Chevrolet, sending both into a spin that ended with the two slamming the first-turn wall. COLLEGE NOTEBOOK good Job on offense (thereby burdening the defense), but the most important thing is to keep doing what you believe in and we're going to get it Upon further review On further review, Purdue coach Jim Colletto determined his team's defense in the 49-37 victory over visiting Minnesota Saturday was less effective than he orginally thought. "When we watched the tapes, it was worse than it looked during the game." Colletto said. "We didn't get lined up well and didn't tackle well.

"If we go up to Wisconsin (1 p.m., Saturday) and play defense like we played (Saturday), they'll get more than the 62 they got against Indiana." Nonetheless, the Boilermakers improved to 4-1 and 2-0 in the Big Ten. If they can win two of their final six games, they will notch their first winning season since 1984. "If we can win three, we might get to a bowl game," Colletto said. "A least we can talk about that. We haven't been in that position in a long time." Purdue notes Junior tailback Corey Rogers twisted his knee late in the first half Saturday and missed the second half.

Colletto Is hopeful he'll be able to play against Wis 1 Cancer claims former tennis buff who built the popular event. By Bert Rosenthal ASSOCIATED PRESS New York Fred Lebow, a pioneer in the running boom of the 1970s who built the New York City Marathon from a run In the park to a citywlde event watched by millions, died Sunday after a second bout with brain cancer. He was 62. Lebow died at his Manhattan home and had been treated as an out-patient at Memorial He was first diagnosed with brain cancer In 1990. The following year, he underwent surgery for thyroid cancer.

At one point, Fred LeBow he was told he had six months to live. But he rallied, the disease went into remission and he completed the 1992 NYC Marathon to the cheers of thousands. "I think I'm the healthiest cancer patient they've ever had," he said. The cancer recurred early this year. "In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack or last," he said.

"You can say, 'I have There is a lot of satisfaction in that." Allan Steinfeld, president of the New York Road Runners Club, said a tribute will be held Wednesday at the marathon finish line in Central Park. He said staff, board members, sponsors, city officials and volunteers will Join hands and cross the finish line together in a "symbolic promise to carry on Fred's dream, the five-borough New York City Marathon, far into the future." consin. Rogers has gained 513 yards on 84 carries this season. Wisconsin star tailback Brent Moss twisted his ankle In the third quarter and did not return. His status for the Purdue game is undertermined.

Wisconsin quarterback Darrell Bevell suffered a separated shoulder Oct. 1, and is unlikely to be ready by Saturday Purdue reserve defensive end Brandon Jewell suffered a dislocated shoulder Saturday and will be lost for the season Purdue and Minnesota combined for 86 points and 1,165 yards Saturday. In the Boilermakers' 59-56 loss to the host Gophers last year, the teams had 1,184 yards. IU's Ross to have surgery Indiana University offensive tackle Ghaton Ross will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery this week, with hopes of making it back to the lineup for IU's Oct. 29 football game at Michigan State.

Coach Bill Mallory said Ross would have been a starter in Saturday's 27-20 victory at Iowa If he had not suffered the injury earlier in the week. Clay Williams and Chris Smith started at the tackles as the Hoosiers rolled to 332 rushing yards against the Hawkeyes. The Hoosiers, who are idle this week, appeared to suffer no significant injuries at Iowa. Their next game is Oct. 22 at home against Northwestern.

The 25th NYC Marathon is Nov. 6. "We are prepared and committed to continue the rich legacy of Fred's ideals, promoting health, fitness, competlton and community service." Steinfeld said. "Fred has left a grand heritage, and we will honor his memory by promoting his goals and realizing his visions." Lebow started running to improve his stamina for tennis. The love of tennis eventually gave way to the love of running.

He founded the NYC Marathon in 1970. The first race, a four-loop circuit around Central Park, attracted only 127 runners. Lebow placed 45th out of the 55 finishers. Tom Fleming, who won the NYC Marathon in 1973 and 1975. said Lebow persisted in his bid for a five-borough race, and city officials finally relented.

Now the race attracts more than 25,000 runners, and many thousands more are turned away. It is one of the biggest and most popular marathons on the International circuit. "The marathon is a charismatic event," Lebow said. "It has everything. It has drama.

It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every Jogger can't dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon." Bearded and slightly built, Lebow ran marathons all over the world, but in his hometown race largely stayed out of the competition, concentrating on organizational tasks. He dropped out of the second marathon and didn't compete again until 1992, when he doggedly completed the 26 miles.

When he crossed the finish line. In 5 hours. 32 minutes, 35 seconds. New York, New York blared over loudspeakers and the crowd gave him a long standing ovation. Lebow also built the New York Road Runners Club from 270 members in 1972 to the largest organization of its kind in the world with more than 28.000 members.

Indy eliminated as possible host for skating event Star Special Report Colorado Springs, Colo. Indianapolis officials learned Sunday they were unsuccessful in their bid to land the 1998 World Figure Skating Championships. The U.S. Figure Skating Association's board of directors decided it would nominate Minneapolis as the American bid-city representative when the International Skating Union convenes in March in Finland. "We are understandably disappointed," said Indiana Sports Corp.

president Dale Neuburger. "We knew that both Minneapolis, as well as Detroit, would have strong presentations, but we feel that we presented the USFSA with an extremely attractive bid." Seven cities submitted bids to the USFSA to host the event, although only Indianapolis. Minneapolis and Detroit were invited to make presentations Sunday. Cities previously eliminated were Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and St. Louis.

"We will continue to pursue International events of this nature. Including world championships and Olympic events," Neuburger said. "Additionally, we will continue to evaluate the opportunities in the sport of figure skating as it continues to be one of the most popular sports among spectators." Holtz vows changes for Irish Evans at Ml strength, eager to begin season Earnhardt said. "I'd like to gain 'em racing." Earnhardt could tie Richard Petty with his seventh championship by leaving the next race, Oct. 23 In Rockingham, N.C.

with a 371 -point edge. Jarrett, who Is driving with a special cast on his left arm because of a broken bone suffered during a wreck last month, was second behind Shepherd when the race went back to green on Lap 330 of 334. But Jarrett took the low groove In his Chevrolet Lumina as the two exited the second turn on arm was In a sling for four weeks, and he started lifting weights as soon as he could thereafter. "I worked harder in the weight room than I think I ever had because I was afraid I was going to come back and not have any strength," he said. By August, the left-handed Evans was in the gym daily, shooting jumpers from all over and going all-out with whatever competition was available.

"The shoulder Is to a point now where (the doctors) feel it's 100 percent and it's something I don't even think about," he said. Evans is looking forward to Saturday, when the Hoosiers officially open their 1994-95 season with a 12:01 a.m. public practice in Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers will play exhibitions against Croatia (Nov. 11) and Athletes in Action (Nov.

16) before heading to Hawaii for the Maui Glassic Nov. 21. Evans, who averaged 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds last season, is one of three returning starters for an IU team expected to be among the Big Ten favorites. Forward Alan Henderson (17.8 points and 10.3 rebounds) and center Todd LIndeman (5.6, 3.9) also return. Indiana's recruiting class, bolstered by the summer signing of Chicago guard Michael Hermon, Is considered among the top three In the nation.

Star Staff Reports Lou Holtz set about picking up the pieces Sunday morning with the observation that some of them probably will be different by the time he puts his football team back together for a home date Saturday with Brigham Young (12:35 p.m.. WTHR-13). "There will be some lineup changes," said Holtz. "Our wide receivers will get a long look." Notre Dame's passing game produced only 50 yards on five completions in 21 attempts Saturday during a 30-11 loss at Boston College. Holtz said the Irish (4-2) who dropped to No.

17 in the new college football poll are set at four positions in the offensive line, but left tackle is another spot where a change could be made. Mike McGlinn played there in place of Mike Doughty (ankle) and had a tough day attempting to contain BC end Mike Mamula. "We need to evaluate everything, from top to bottom," said Holtz, "what we're doing, how we're doing it and who's doing It." Holtz and defensive coordinator Bob Davie had a couple of earnest exchanges on the sidelines Saturday and they didn't escape ABC's cameras. Don't misread them, Holtz cautioned. "I'll tell you exactly what I.

said to Bob Davie," volunteered Holtz. 'We aren't doing a very By Tom Rietmann STAR STAFF WRITER Bloomington, Ind. Brian Evans feels like a complete basketball player again, and that pleases him. "(It's nice) being able to play with my back to the basket again," the Indiana University Junior explained. "(It's nice) feeling like my shoulder is stable feeling like I can back somebody In, make a move, turn and bump into people." Brian Evans Having re- gained such capabilities is a good weapon, Evans said.

For most of last season, Evans didn't feel like he had many weapons at his disposal. The 6-8 forward missed three games during the Hoosiers" 21-9 season and played in pain, with restricted movement, in many others. He dislocated his right (non-shooting) shoulder twice during the year. "I couldn't use my right arm beyond dribbling a little, and I had to rely more on stuff I could do facing the basket," Evans said. Last April, Evans underwent surgery to correct the problem.

His 71 V..