rpm.espn.com: Jeff Ward

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Friday, December 7
Updated: February 25, 3:33 PM ET

Jeff Ward
By Jack Arute
ESPN.com

Team: Chip Ganassi Motorsports
Nationality: United States

STATS

Year
Rank
Wins
Poles
Top 5
Top 10
Money
Best finish

2001 11 0 1 2 7 $752,775 4th, Chicago

Career 0 2 11 22 $3,646,125 2nd, four times

Ward
Ward

2001 Recap
The Good: Ward's association with Heritage Motorsports brought much promise into the season. With a combination of historic names associated with Indy car racing, Rathman and Mecom, Heritage boasted the managerial expertise of Ward's longtime friend Mitch Davis. Three top-10 finishes in the first three races raised the expectations of this first-year team. At both Miami and Atlanta, Ward started from the front row and led both races.

Season Highlight: In just their second race together, Ward and Hertiage put their car on the pole for the Miami race. It was Ward's second career pole and first since 1998.

The Bad: The team was unable to build upon its quick start to the season. At Indianapolis, Heritage fielded a second entry to put Stephan Gregoire into the field after Gregoire struggled with his Dick Simon ride. Like many other marginal teams, Heritage spent most of the season searching for sponsor dollars instead of speed.

Season Lowlight: With much hoopla -- and lead singer Stephen Tyler leading the way -- Ward and Heritage announced just prior to the Indy 500 a marketing partnership promoting Aerosmith's "Just Push Play" tour. Then, due to conflicts with concert partner Dodge, Aerosmith pulled its support. The financial drain prompted the team to bypass the Kansas race.

Key Stat: In their 12 races, Ward and Heritage failed to finish in only three events (both Texas races and Nashville).

2002 Outlook
What needs to be done: Heritage has closed its doors and Ward finds himself at liberty going into this season. While his IRL career has been filled with promise, Ward has little to show for his efforts except isolated moments, including his third-place finish at the 1997 Indy 500 -- the first IRL race of his career. Insiders insist Ward has what it takes to succeed. But few have stepped forward to help the former Motocross legend fulfill that promise.

Prediction: Ward and Chip Ganassi announced an agreement on Feb. 20 that will put Ward in the No. 9 car. With Ganassi's expertise, this should be the season where Ward scores the first win of his IRL career.

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