rpm.espn.com: Users: No dissing Dismore

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Thursday, January 3
Users: No dissing Dismore

We asked you if Mark Dismore could find a break or a ride in 2002. Here are some of the better responses:

Mark is one of the greatest drivers that I know. I think he could be awesome on a great team like he was at Kelley. I have gotten to know Mark on and off the track and he is so sweet. Mark could have won several races including the Indy 500 but weird things happened to make that not happen. I want to see Mark race all season like I know he wants to and keep up the great driving, Mark! Mark deserves a ride and he can come from the back like he showed at St. Louis. That was my favorite race because he gave me a big hug after the race even though he finished second.

Julie Andrews
Greenfield, Ind.

Dismore's the kind of driver that fans just love. His attitude is excellent, he keeps plugging despite the setbacks. What a story an Indy 500 win by Mark Dismore would be!

Bob Cole
Longwood, Fla.

Mark is a great driver! He has proven he can run with the best racers on the planet if he doesn't have a mechanical failure or a pit crew mishap. He does a good job of keeping the car in one piece (when other drivers do not run over him under the yellow or on pit row). I feel he is good for the sport and it would be shame not to have a native born and raised Hoosier competing in a series that resides in Speedway, Ind. Roger Penske has been known to run three car teams on a few occassions. Maybe 2002 will be another! If not a whole season, maybe Indy and a couple races leading up to the 500. I can't think of a better way for a guy (Mark) to repay the team that was first on the scene when he had his horrific crash coming off Turn 4 at Indy a fews years ago than with a win!

Randy Ballinger
Greenfield, Ind.

I hope he does! Mark is a great driver and a likable guy. Now that Greg Ray is gone from Menard, maybe there will be a second car to join Jaques Lazier. Remember it was Greg Ray that refused to have a teammate. Mark Dismore getting a ride in 2002 is good for open wheel racing. I want to see him win the Indy 500 this year as he almost did the last two years. He certainly was fast enough.

Thomas Harleman
Indianapolis, Ind.

I've raced with Mark in the past and he is without doubt among the fastest and most calculating drivers in all of motorsport. But Mark is from the old school, where talent behind the wheel earns the best ride. Today it's all about who can attract the most sponsor money. I wish Mark all the best in finding a competive team, but it'll be an uphill battle for sure.

Bill Erickson
Mequon, Wis.

Diz is getting up there and needs to look to becoming a team owner or driving coach for his son. If he has shown anything over the years it is that his tremendous racing skill is only overshadowed by terrible racing luck.

Mark Bilek
Illinois

Mark Dismore has really paid his dues and deserves a good ride in the IRL. He has had great equipment, just bad luck. He has shown he can run upfront, and challenge for wins in the big events. I hope he finds a good ride for 2002 because he is a class act on and off the track.

Matt Demey
Harrisburg, Pa.

Mark's talent and age doesn't allow him taking any second class ride. He's more than a "shoe," he knows the car technically. Would be an asset to any team seeking experience combined with a winning attitude. He WILL ride again!

Roland Via
Daytona Beach, Fla.

Diz has potential that can hardly be charted. Of his races that he didn't finish, it was either mechanical problems not caused by him, or a wreck that he wasn't the cause of. His performance at Indy this year was the highlight of the entire race. He was driving the wheels off that thing. Diz deserves one more shot. After that I believe he could retire comfortably, but I don't want to see him put out just because Kelley thinks he is too old. Remember how old Al Unser Sr. was when he won his last 500? Hey Cheever, keep Diz in mind for your second car, because I believe he is a winner.

Heath Hamilton
Chicago

Kelly Racing made a costly mistake replacing Mark with Ray. Mark has earned a good ride for next year. All he needs to be a big winner is a little luck.

Larry Hoppes
Anderson, Ind.

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