Calkins

	Ray

One of the most popular individuals roaming the pits Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway does not have a car entered in Sunday's Indy Racing League season opener. In fact, he retired from driving less than a month ago.

Buzz Calkins has been linked to several scenarios that may return either Mark Dismore or Greg Ray to the IRL. Calkins and his father, Brad, were founding members of the IRL. Buzz won the first IRL race and was the circuit's first co-champion with Scott Sharp in 1996.

"It was time for me to stop driving and get a real job," Calkins joked. "It was hard at first but as the weeks have worn on, I know that it was the right decision."

Last year, Calkins finished 11 of 13 races and surpassed $3 million in career earnings. His ninth-place finish in the standings was his best performance since his co-championship.

Calkins' retirement left his family's Bradley Motorsports team in limbo.

"When Buzz decided to call it quits, our operation screeched to a halt," David Cripps said.

Dismore, who was released by Kelley Racing at the end of last season was considered a possible replacement.

"But then Greg became available and we have talked to him," Cripps said.

"Bradley Motorsports is an excellent team," Ray said Friday. "I have the utmost respect for Brad and Buzz. I mean you are talking about a guy (Buzz) who's got a Master's degree from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern."

Ray says nothing is set between him and Calkins.

"We have a lot of issues to discuss," he said.

Ray signed a contract to with Kelley Racing at the end of last year only to be relieved of his ride when Kelley signed two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr., last Thursday. The late departure left the 1999 IRL champion scrambling.

"Two weeks ago I was testing here and getting ready for this race," Ray said. "It is frustrating right now but everything happens for a reason."

Ray won the Indy 500 pole in 2000 and has earned a record-setting 13 poles. In 44 starts, the Plano, Texas resident has five wins, including last year's race at Atlanta where he led 184 of 200 laps after starting from the pole.

If Ray does drive for Calkins and Bradley Motorsports, the team could be on the track by the time the IRL moves to Phoenix for the Copper World Classic on March 17.

One reason the issue needs to be resolved quickly is the IRL's lucrative Leaders Circle program that provides more than $250,000 in cash, products and services to teams that agree to enter every IRL race this season.

"I would hope that we could convince the IRL to add our team to the program if we get things going for Phoenix," Cripps said.