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Monday, January 20 Updated: January 27, 4:38 PM ET  Comments on IRL drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted IRL drivers Buddy Lazier, Jaques Lazier and Buddy Rice. Here are your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season:
In a perfect world, Buddy would be fighting with Sam and the Penske boys for IRL supremacy. But the IRL will forever be split into two periods -- B.P. (Before Penske) and A.P. (After Penske). He is this close to becoming a victim of the rising cost of racing in the IRL, thanks to Penske and the CART defectors. You know you're in a different time when a guy who won the IRL title just three years AND won the Indy 500 with a BROKEN BACK can't get a full-time ride. I don't see Buddy coming back strong in 2003. But let me say this: I hope he proves me wrong! Chris Estrada Pascoag, R.I.
I think Buddy Lazier is one of the better drivers in the IRL, but he isn't with the best team. Last year was a critical year for success, and his team went from great to lackluster very quickly. They lost Coors Light, and Hemelgarn needs to find support or his action may be very limited. This guy is a proven winner, and I hope someone who is reading this may have some influence to help finance his season.
Buddy Rice is a rising star in the IRL, and I think he is exactly what his sponsor and the league needs: a young American who drivers the doors off of the car and is safe enough to finish his races. The IRL needs more drivers like Buddy Rice. I wish Alex Barron was his teammate, though.
Having known Buddy Lazier for many years, don't count him out! If it has four wheels and runs, he can make it happen, he is one of the most focused drivers when it's time to strap in! Paul Ilg Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
If Buddy Lazier has good equipment he can be as competitive as anyone on the track. Bob Renfro Orange Park
Jaques Lazier is a wonderful driver. I think that he is one of the most underrated drivers in the IRL he is continually in the shadow of his older brother. He not only is a great race car driver but he also is a wonderful man and very personable -- something we need more from athletes these days. Rob Dunbar Nashville, Tenn.
If Menard putt a South American in the car instead of Lazier, he's a fool. Lazier has proven he can win and race with the best. Menard owes it to his sponsors to put an American of Jaques' calibre in the car. He could just surprise and win the series. Richard Schmer Ft. Collins, Colo.
If I were a betting man, I would take odds that by the end of the year, neither Meira or Jaques Lazier will be the driver of the Menard machine. Just a hunch, I guess. Jaques performed satisfactorily for the Menard livery in early 2002, but the quantity of Menard drivers over time has been quite extensive. Many one-offs at Indy and an apparent lack of team continuity, this well-funded team, despite IRL championships, is still pegged as an underachieving bunch. Top five in points is not out of the question, but without early season momentum or an Indy win, this team will likely fade into the middle of the pack.
As for Buddy Rice: Hey Eddie, who's your pal, who's your Buddy? Mr. Rice perhaps? I've got to think that Team Red Bull/Cheever is better off without Tomas 'Wreck'ter. I saw Buddy at Michigan last year and he did nothing but impress his owner and the rest of the league with his smooth and frugal driving style. Tomas may have won that race, but Buddy was the real story. Many fans and teams may be surprised to see Buddy at the front of most races in 2003, but they really shouldn't. Yet another young gun in the IRL who is looking to make his mark. Top five is certainly realistic and watch for at least one win. Sorry Eddie, Buddy is Red Bull's best toreador, bar none.
My son and I met Buddy Rice last year at Texas Motor Speedway. He seems to be a very level headed driver. We talked to him in the garage area, he signed cards and chatted with us. Seems to have the full package. Doug Hecker Hewitt, Texas  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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