rpm.espn.com: Users like the Buddy system

ESPN Network: ESPN.com \| RPM \| NBA.com \| NHL.com \| ESPNdeportes \| ABCSports \| WNBA.com \| FANTASY

Put the pedal to the metal in ESPN's
Fantasy Racing 2002.
Get your teams today!

Tuesday, January 29
Users like the Buddy system
ESPN.com

We asked if Buddy Lazier can win a second IRL title and capture another Indy 500 crown. Here are some of the better responses:

Buddy will be a strong contender this year. With his skills and experience he will manage to make the IRL season very exciting and interesting. But, unfortunately for Hemelgarn Racing, no -- Buddy can stop Sam Hornish Jr.

Mindy Liffick
Defiance, Ohio

Hemelgarn is definitely a formidable team. It just depends on how superior the Penske machinery is and their luck. Lazier could run the pants off both Gil de Ferran and Helio Castroneves at any track on the IRL circuit (especially Indy) if the cars were close. I don't think there is any driver in the IRL that is tougher than Lazier with five laps to go. Buddy will give Penske a run for their money all season and at some races tear them up pretty good.

Rex Dean
Carmichael, Calif.

Buddy, you're my hero! I think that as long as Hemelgarn provides him with the equipment, there is no better driver than Buddy Lazier. He is a fearless competitor who will drive the wheels off the car if it is properly prepared. His win at Kentucky was one of the most thrilling races I've had the pleasure of witnessing. On top of all of that, he is also a fine gentleman as well. Go Buddy!

John Croyle
North Judson, Ind.

Buddy Lazier can win both another IRL title and the Indy 500. The key to Buddy is that he doesn't beat himself but allows the race to come to him. Sometimes, this mentality keeps him out of Victory Lane (2000 Indy against Montoya), but he gets his podium finishes and keeps his sponsors happy. If I were an open-wheel racer, he'd be the racer with whom I'd be the most concerned.

Dick Sauerman
Crown Point, Ind.

Buddy's a winner. On and off the track. I was impressed with him before 1996 and I am still impressed with his ability and strong desire to win. He always looks like Al Sr. out on the track -- very fast, but very smart.

Keith Smith
Frankfort, Ill.

Buddy Lazier is The Man! I watched Buddy put in solid performances in weak rides before the IRL. Now that he is in good equipment, he is proving to be the winner he truly is. Can he repeat another IRL title and/or Indy 500 win? Absolutely! This year? Time will tell. His goal is both in one year, and he is the driver to do it.

Ron Sutton
Sacramento, Calif.

Buddy Lazier has been my hero since I was 12 years old, back in 1995. I have watched the ups and the downs of his career, prefering the ups. When I watch Buddy race I am simply amazed, he has a driving style like no other and I see him finding even more sucess than he has already had. I am not sure if this is Buddy's year to regain his IRL and Indy 500 champion status, but I will be there watching and supporting until he does. Simply, Buddy Lazier is a one of a kind and will always be No. 1 for this fan.

Mike Mauzy
Fort Wayne, Ind.

I think he'll have a chance to win another IRL title if his team doesn't thin out by trying to run another car. Keep the team intact and if Hemelgarn chooses to run another car then a whole new team needs to be put together. If you look at his stats for 2001, Lazier did great as with a one-car operation. As soon as Chris Menninga was added, everything went downhill. I hope Hemelgarn has noticed this.

Andy Klickner
Tinley Park, Ill.

Buddy is the best driver in open wheel racing. He goes places on the track where others fear to tread (except for his brother). He could definitely win Indy, the IRL title and an IROC race.

Rob Brown
Fort Wayne, Ind.

I think Buddy is a class act and will continue to be successful in 2002. Hemelgarn Racing is highly respected and I'm impressed with Hemelgarn's sponsorship of a USAC race every year in Toledo, giving the winner of the race a chance to test with his IRL team. A true sign of what the IRL is about -- bringing American Racers through the open wheel short tracks to the big leagues. I think Buddy will fare well this year in the IRL, even with Penske now in the equation. Good luck, Buddy.

Keith Carr
Toledo, Ohio

Buddy is without a doubt one of the very best open wheel drivers in the world today. Very smooth and calculated and makes no mistakes. He should, if the car is right, win many more race in 2002 and is my pick for not only the championship but the Indy 500.

Keith Carr
Toledo, Ohio

Amazing! Without a doubt one of the best two or three drivers in America (Sam Hornish, Tony Stewart). One of the few drivers I like to see go three wide into Turn 1 at Indy.

Craig Tapscott
Bloomington, Ind.

Buddy Lazier is one of the most underated drivers in the world. I worked his pit at Kentucky and he is a class act as well. Hopefully if he chooses, he will get a NASCAR shot. The guy is fearless.

Pokey Miller
Elizabethtown, Ky.

Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

	Driver Spotlight: Buddy Lazier IRL off-season driver spotlight index