The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 21

E2 THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1996 FLAYERS Continued from Page 1 Becks take on daunting task as a family Old racers still drive with zest withal of Beck Motorsports, Greg was the Speedway caretaker for Buddy Lazier (1991), Phillipe Gache (1992), Stephan Gregoire (1993) and Hideshi Matsuda (1994 and 1995). When the Indy Racing League came along, older cars were suddenly sensible and affordable. After opening the IRL season In a partnership with the Zunne Group of San Antonio, Greg split. "We had some differences of opinion that couldn't get resolved, but Toby O'Connor (Zunne) and I are still friends," said Greg, who teamed with Buhl to take third at Orlando. "I guess fortunately for the IRL it made two teams out of one." With Stan Wattles still sidelined from injuries at Phoenix during testing, his owner, Leigh Miller, struck a deal that enabled Beck Motorsports to come to Indianapolis as an entrant.

"We bought two cars and the right to his number and guaranteed starting spot," said Greg, referring to Miller's IRL point standing and predicated position In the starting lineup If the second car averages 220 mph. "We got a nice, local sponsorship with Coors beer, and Rodger Ward Jr. was instrumental in getting us the deal and my father-in-law, Gene Wheeler, has also been a big help." Rabin Miller The Andrettis and Fittipaldis are missing and one Unser sits in the show, but a longtime family fixture at Indianapolis is really making the most of this May. Despite a small budget and only one full-time employee, Beck Mo-torsports is blooming, with one car Robbie Buhl at the wheel already in the field and another being readied for this weekend. but he also is team manager, engineer and public relations director.

Chris Beck, 31, is Greg's brother and chief mechanic; he is taking the month off from his full-time job at FabCar. Roger Beck, an accomplished midget racer In the 1950s and '60s, Is the patriarch of this clan and one of the finest metal men at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In a month where money is scarce and resourcefulness is invaluable, the Becks' varied talents have enabled them to muster a competitive effort. "We can't always buy things, but we can fix them or build them," said Greg Beck, whose apprenticeship on Indy cars began in the late '70s. "I don't have deep pockets, but Speedway speed chart The top speeds from Thursday and for the month for race-qualified and non-qualified cars that have run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Tires: F-Firestone, G-Goodyear. DNR: Did not run. QUALIFIED CARS the Reds, who rebounded to win seven in a row. "We don't even pay attention to what's going on with Marge Schott," said Reds outfielder Eric Owens. "We're more concerned about just going out and playing the game.

And she really doesn't play a big role in whether we win or lose. "But she signs the paychecks, and we're all very much aware of that." Pitcher Jose Rijo, who is trying to come back from reconstructive elbow surgery, was also the object of Schott's frustrations in the SI article. She referred to him as "the guy I'm paying $3 million a year to sit on his butt." Rijo understandably was not amused. He did not accompany the team to Indianapolis but chose his words carefully Wednesday after being asked by a Cincinnati reporter to comment on the situation. "She's a good person," he said.

"She just needs to get some help, that's all." Former Reds great Pete Rose, who accepted a ban for life from hasphnll in 1989 fallowing an ln- i Uli 1 otner activities, recenuy maae some interesting observations on Schott during his radio talk show ill Lima ixaLuii, i ta. "She doesn't mean any harm," Rose said. "It's Just that every time she talks, it comes out all wrong. "She's a lonely lady who has the one thing coveted most In Cincinnati, and that's the Reds. Without the Reds, she would have nothing.

And that's why she'll never sell the club. "The most fun she has owning the club is coming out to the games and signing autographs." OWNER Continued from Page 1 Schott declined to comment Thursday on possible moves against her and on criticism that followed her recent interviews. "When she starts desecrating not only the establishment of baseball but dishonoring entire races and nationalities, it's time for the dog lady to be removed once and for all from this game," said agent Tom Reich, who repre- canto nlnnAM Tnra Olln Uol Morris and Hector Carrasco. "She brings disgrace to a good city and a historic franchise and has no redeeming qualities." Coleman and Selig are talking to each other about Schott almost daily. In an interview with Sports II-Z Instated, Schott was quoted as saying, "I think somebody is try- ing to get me out, honey, some- body that wants to buy the team." Baseball's lawyers are investi- gating ways of acting against 1 Schott, according to several base- ball officials.

The NL constitution gives Cole- man "nnwer tn susnend for a defi- nite period and to Impose a fine I upon any manager, player, umpire ui emu U111LC1 ui cinjJiuycc guuijf, in public, of gross misbehavior, including intoxication, fighting, quarreling, inaecency or oiner scandalous conduct, whether on or off the playing field, when such conduct is, in the president's opin- ion, calculated to bring disrepute upon the league or the game of professional baseball." Baseball's ruling executive council eight owners and the league presidents has the pow- er to take action against conduct deemed "not to be in the best interests of baseball." The penalty may include "suspension or re-v moval of any officer or employee of a major league or a major league club." Only twice have baseball offi-; cials forced an owner to sell. "Owning a club is a public trust," Hoffberger said. "The rea- sons for taking it away are not spelled out. Schott owns about 40 percent of the team. Some of her limited partners tried unsuccessfully to dislodge her In the Ohio courts.

If you call them old geezers, you might get busted In the snoot. Ralph LI-guorl and Bob Kinser have been racers for so long, they're com Short Tracks Dick Mittman peting against the grandchildren of drivers they once raced against. Liguori is 5 months from his 70th birthday and draws Social Security. Last climbed into his own midget at the Speedrome and finished seventh in the feature. One of his opponents Keven Besecker was 50 years younger.

Ligouri's racing schedule this week had him at Crown Point on Wednesday night and at the Speedrome tonight, Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday and Toledo on Sunday. Bob Kinser Is a mere lad, at least to Liguori, but this crusty 64-year-old veteran has terrorized the dirt tracks of Indiana so long there's a multitude of short track drivers who want him to retire. Well, they may be getting their wish. "I'm giving up after this year," said the father of World of Outlaws star Steve Kinser. "I decided I'll watch my boys.I decided I'm getting too old." This announcement, which hadn't been confirmed even to Bloomington Speedway public relations director Mike O'Leary, comes as the track Is set to honor him tonight with Bob Kinser Night.

Of course, there's a but. "1 guess I'm going to run the Legends (sprint car) race In Knoxville, Iowa, on June 7," he said. Kinser, who has won 33 various track championships, drove his first race at Bloomington in a 1936 Ford in 1954. He and cousin Morris, now deceased, built the car. Kinser has probably driven more than 600 races at his home track.

He moved to sprints in 1959. He was close to moving up Ind. 37 to the Speedway in the early 1960s. "At that time I had four kids," he said. "I Just didn't think I could take the chance, because money was so tight." Liguori had four sons, but he did make it to the Speedway.

He just never made the race. He earned the name Ral-phle The Racer as he pursued his dream from 1959 when he passed his rookie test. He failed to complete his refresher test in 1968. In between, he hit the wall in the Novl, crashed the Dernier roadster in practice and did the same with the Walt Flynn car on his qualifying warmup lap. Liguori started racing in the regional midget series at the Speedrome two years ago and became the oldest driver to win a feature.

This May he took his physical at the Speedway just like the Indy drivers and breezed through it. THE FASTEST CURVES IN INDY! Buhl, the former Indy Lights champion who suffered through a miserable May in 1993 with two crashes, had only 100 hot laps before qualifying at 226.217 mph last Sunday in the Original Coors 94 LolaFord. "I don't think it's really sunk In yet that we've got our car in the Indy 500," said Beck. "Robbie and I felt we had a good combination after Orlando and testing at Phoenix. "We don't have any full-time guys but great support from Tom Bose, Jack Ridpath, Chris and my dad." Matsuda appears to be the best bet to qualify No.

17 for Beck, and money will likely be the determining factor. "Like I said, my pockets aren't too deep and with the expense of two cars, it's necessary we take in a little money. I'm thankful for all the support we get and proud of what we've done so far. "We've still got to pick up some guys to do pit stops, but this has been a good experience." Note Great to see the Schwitzer Award folks honor Ed Rothrocl; of Bell Sports. Rothrock has been coming to Indy for 25 years, working with; drivers and striving to improve the Bell helmet.

helping at Indy Lap Leaders A breakdown of where the 14 active drivers to have led the Indianapolis 500 will be racing on May 26: INDIANAPOUS (five drivers, 79 laps): Arie Luyendyk (59 laps); Roberto Guerrero (9); Eddie Cheever (9); Scott Brayton (1); Stephan Gregoire (1). MICHIGAN (nine drivers, 1,231 laps): Emerson Fittipaldi (505 laps); Michael Andretti (382); Bobby Rahal (124); Al Unser Jr. (109); Mauricio Gugel-min (59); Raul Boesel (21); Jimmy Vasser (20); Scott Pruett (8); Robby Gordon (3). Schwitzer Award There were no new chassis designs or slick engines to win the prestigious Louis Schwitzer Award for innovation and engineering excellence, which helped a group representing Delco Electronics and Bell Sports take the $5,000 prize. The creation was nonetheless deserving.

The Racing EyeCue projects an Image In the driver's line of sight, providing computer information without a glance at the instrument panel. A similar system is being offered in several Pontlac passenger vehicles. Statistics show It takes 0.9 seconds for an Indy-car driver to Visually check the in-dash Information. At 239 mph, a car travels 315 feet In that time. The EyeCue.

which weighs 3.5 ounces and can be adjusted for preference, places the Image 2 feet in front of the driver and up 2.5 degrees. Notes Harrington and Billy Boat passed their rookie tests Thursday, pushing the month's total to 19 Driver Justin Bell said he's through for the month If he qualifies, Fermin Velez will be the first driver from Spain to make the 500 A record four drivers from the RCA Dome midget race are qualified for the 500 (Tony Stewart. Davey Hamilton, Davy Jones and Mark Dismore) Another T-shirt trailer has been added to the 16th Street row, although it's for Budweiser's hydroplane program. cate. We were able to get the car up to a good speed and now we've got to still learn to work together and all that.

"I'm comfortable with my status," she added. St. James has been operating a school aimed at providing women Interested In becoming race drivers an opportunity to learn the basics. "My goal Is not to replace me," said St. James, who will be 50 next March, "because then It continues to be somewhat of a token representation.

What I see out there Is talent In women who want to race, dedication." She sees possibilities for the future, but It Is going to take longer than she thought. She said of 62 students, five or six are hard-core championship-caliber material. "Sf ft Photo S.Q. AnisMewks SOMEBODY'S GOTTA DO IT: Greg Beck works on a turbo-charger in his garage on Thursday. we do have some pretty talented people, thanks to my dad, brother and crew." Recognized as one of the top gearbox men and all-around mechanics in Championship Auto Racing Teams during the '80s, Greg opened his own shop on Rockville Road in 1990.

Using other people's money and cars, but calling on the where- of the Dick Simon garage. After driving to eighth In the Indy Racing League opener at Walt Disney World and falling out with electrical woes at Phoenix, her arrangement with Andy Evans, who SILK LACE EXOTIC CLUB SOUTH SIDES FINEST LIVE SHOWS 1 RM. to 3 A.M, a hmf i If- Wed. Pitcher Beer $6.50 Tnm Well Drinks Draft 3512 Madison Ave. $2.50 $1.75 783-6144 Sell il quicker in Ihe E''J JSUr Sews Classifieds.

mil I A i nil Car Day's Month's No. Driver (Indy starts) Year ChassisEngineTire Top Speed Top Speed 3 Eddie Cheever (6) '95 LolaMenardF DNR 235.997 4 Richie Heam(R) '95 ReynardFordG DNR 234.308 5 ArieLuyendyk(H) '95 ReynardFordF DNR 239.260 7 Eliseo Salazar (1) '95 LolaFordG DNR 234.858 8 Alessandro Zampedri (1) '94 LolaFordG DNR 231.672 9 Stephan Gregoire (R) '94 ReynardFordF DNR 230.568 11 Scott Sharp (2) '95 LolaFordG 225.796 235.701 12 Buzz Calkins (R) '95 ReynardFordF DNR 234.693 14 Davey Hamilton (R) '95 LolaFordG 219.518 230.864 18 John Paul Jr. (5) '93 LolaMenardG 221.511 227.192 20 Tony Stewart (R) '95 LolaMenardF DNR 237.336 21 Roberto Guerrero (11) '95 ReynardFordG DNR 234.308 22 Michel Jourdain Jr. (R) '95 LolaFordG DNR 234.223 27 Jim Guthrie (R) '93 LolaMenardF 172.460 222.502 30 Mark Dismore (R) '95 LolaFordF DNR 232.702 32 Scott Brayton (14) '95 LolaMenardF DNR 233.851 33 Michele Alboreto (R) '95 ReynardFordG 231.083 232.192 41 Marco Greco (1) '94 LolaFordG 221.549 229.481 45 Lyn St. James (4) '34 LolaFordG 226.992 226.244 54 Robbie Buhl (R) '94 LolaFordF DNR 227.049 60 Mike Groff (2) '95 ReynardFordG 225.045 230.491 64 Johnny Unser (R) '95 ReynardFordG DNR 227.238 70 Davy Jones (4) '95 LolaMercedesG DNR 234.736 90 Racin Gardner (R) '94 LolaFordG DNR 224.933 91 Buddy Lazier (3) '95 ReynardFordF DNR 234.381 96 PaulDurant(R) '92 LolaBuickG DNR 226.165 NON-QUALIFIED CARS Car Day's Month's No.

Driver (Indy starts) Year ChassisEngineTire Top Speed Top Speed 2 Scott Brayton (14) '95 LolaMenard DNR 235.750 10 Brad Murphey (R) '94 ReynardFordF 225.875 228.612 15 JoeGosek(R) '92 LolaBuickG 123.859 203.767 16 Johnny Parsons (11) '93 LolaMercedesF DNR 223.076 23 Eddie Cheever (6) '95 LolaMenardF 226.489 226.489 24 Randy Tolmsa(R) '93 LolaBuickF 186.521 186.521 25 JoeGosek(R) '92 LolaBuickG DNR 196.881 34 Eliseo Salazar (1) '95 LolaFordG 225.626 232.102 35 ArieLuyendyk(11) '95 LolaMenardF 234.540 238.493 36 DanDrinan(R) '91 LolaBuickG 213.159 215.957 36 Andy Michner (R) '91 LolaBuickG 203.367 203.367 39 Scott Harrington (R) '92 LolaBuickG 209.859 209.859 43 FerminVelez(R) '94 LolaFordG DNR 223.775 44 Richie Hearn(R) '95 ReynardFordG 230.669 233.300 46 Rob Wilson (R) '93 LolaBuickG 192.332 192.332 72 Davy Jones (4) '95 LolaMercedesG DNR 219.405 75 Johnny O'Connell (R) '95 ReynardFordF 225.315 225.315 84 Scott Sharp (4) '94 LolaFordG DNR 227.175 87 Billy Boat (R) '92 LolaBuickG DNR 193.690 93 Racin Gardner (R) '94 LolaFordG DNR 211.159 99 Billy Boat (R) '94 ReynardFordG 224.657 224.657 Opponents each other It was Initially viewed as a public rolotlnna cfotp. I ment, but, as the i kj 1 mnnth has nrn- 'L gressed, It's been Ji proven to have merit. I', The body Pit Pass Curt Cavin Rituwii as ii ic muy Racing League has helped develop more helping hands in Gasoline Alley. Neighboring garages in the rear of section provide a perfect example. Crew members employed by Paul Dlatlovich and Chuck Buckman (qualified driver John Paul Jr.) have spent the past few days thrashing in the garage owned by Butch Brlckcil.

Danny Ongais appeared In that 1993 Lola on Thursday. Treadway Racing crew members were among the many contributing to Larry Nash's team before Scott Harrington had his mid-afternoon accident. Buddy Llndblom, Treadway's team manager, said his group had lent setup Information, gearbox assistance and an old-style fuel nozzle for the '92 Lola. Nash said various other teams had provided parts too many to credit in one easy-to-read paragraph but considering car No. 39 was Buick-powered, most of the experience and resources had come from John Menard's garage across the walkway.

Most of the togetherness Is linked to the opportunity these smaller teams have been handed, and the verbal bashing they've received from the established Indy-car series has played a bonding role. It also is worth noting that big-money teams like Tread-way's and Menard's have little to fear in helping a program with 4-year-old equipment. "But truthfully," said Nash, "racers are real people and they help each other. I can't say that's always true of car owners, but off the track It's not mechanics vs. mechanics or drivers vs.

drivers. We don't work that way. "We've all been In a pinch before so we know what it's like to need some help. These guys have been great, but you know, If it wasn't for that type of rapport, the entire Industry would be In trouble." bought out Simon and retained him as general manager, came to an end. "Andy said to me, 'Do you have a plan she said.

Shocked, St. James said no. But she started talking to Toby O'Connor, owner of the Zunnl Group whom she had known for several years. O'Connor didn't have a driver so an arrangement was made with Dennis McCormick to run the team, using Goodyear tires. She brought along the Lifetime cable television sponsorship.

"The issues were more racing related rather than just financial related Issues," she said. "For me, it was difficult, like graduating from college where you've been someplace and you've had the same professors you know and you've got to go somewhere else. We're learning to communi Thursday's top practice speeds (Non-qualified drivers) 1. 35, Arie Luyendyk, 234.540; 2. 33, Michele Alboreto, 231.083; 3.

44, Richie Hearn, 230.669; 4. 45, Lyn St James, 226.992; 5. 23, Eddie Cheever, 226.489; 6. 10, Brad Murphey, 225.875; 7. 11, Scott Sharp, 225.796; 8.

34, Eliseo Salazar, 225.626; 9. 75, Johnny O'Connell, 225.315; 10. 60, Mike Groff, 225.045. THE NAME SAYS IT ALL ST. JAMES Continued from Page 1 She's driving for a new team.

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