Robbie Buhl has amassed 108 IRL points.

The Indy Racing Northern Light Series points leader, Robbie Buhl, recently made a special visit to the ESPN.com chat room to talk about the Indy 500, his favorite track and more.

In three starts on the Indy Racing circuit in 2000, Buhl has three top 7 finishes including a victory Jan. 29. He made his way through a field of 26 cars from 22nd position to win the Indy Racing Northern Lights Series season opener at the Delphi Indy 200 in Orlando, Florida.

For his career, Buhl has been in 27 races with 17 top 10 finishes and two victories. He has career winnings of $2,029,803.

In case you missed Buhl's May 18 chat, the following is an edited transcript.

Billy Joe Henderson: NASCAR tracks are different in shape and bank angles. How do tracks in the Indy Racing circuit differ?

Robbie Buhl: We do run a lot of high banked tracks. But when you don't have the banking you have to do a lot more to turn the car. So we have more flat tracks and therefore have to do more to steer the car.

steve d: Robbie, Do you think the rift between IRL and CART will be resolved? In your opinion how can both sides work to accommodate the fans?

Robbie Buhl: Someday there is going to be some resolution. I don't know when or how. From a fan perspective, I think the IRL competition has been excellent. I truly hope that in the future, though, both groups will come together.

boomerzz62: How did you get your start in racing, and what influences have you had in the sport? Where do you see your career going in say 3-5 years? Thank you for taking my question.

Robbie Buhl: I came to the speedway when I was 7 and fell completely in love with racing. I plan to stay with the Purex team for the foreseeable future and hope that we can grow as a team.

Andrew LaFollette: Congratulations on your great season so far! I greatly admire your dedication to work with "Racing for Kids". How difficult has it been to balance your two careers and succeed in both?

Robbie Buhl: At first we didn't know where Racing for Kids was going to go but it's gained a lot of momentum. As far as finding time for it, it's just something that has become a part of my racing weekend so it's not really a chore to fit it in.

elaine: Since IRL is going to two or three (at least) new tracks next year, how do you approach a track you have no info on? What kind of testing is allowed in IRL? Is there a limit like CART or is it budget or what?

Robbie Buhl: That's just it. The key is going there to test. You have to find out all the little things you need through testing. With regard to tracks outside of Indy there are really no restrictions on testing. So if we want, there is a wealth of information to be gotten.

Adam Dutko: First of all, thank you very much for chatting with us. It's great that you take time out of your schedule to do this. However, I was wondering how it is to race over 200 mph with your life on the line in front of millions of spectators? It has to be a rush. Also, how do you handle the stress of being a role model for many young race fans; is it hard to be a good role model at times? If so, when was the hardest time you had to stick by your morals in the immoral society we live in today?

Robbie Buhl: With racing it's just what we love to do. As far as being a role model, sometimes you have to struggle to keep your cool. You just have to remember that people are watching you. But, in the end it's not that hard to be a role model.

marcus: What do you think about the Target team entering the race? Do you think the 500 should be just for teams in the IRL or for both IRL and CART?

Robbie Buhl: I think the 500 should be open to anyone who wants to come and perform under Indy's rules format. Competition overall is a good thing. You just have to make sure you're prepared to race.

Race Fam 001: How's qualifying going for the Indy 500?

Robbie Buhl: Saturday is qualifying. We've spent most of our time up until now working on the car's setup. We have some more trimming out to do before the weekend to try to gain some speed.

elaine: Who is the manufacturer of your helmet and who did the designing of the paint job? Is it your own design?

Robbie Buhl: I wear Simpson helmets. Helmet design though, is something a lot of the drivers take their own responsibility for. Design of the helmets isn't dictated by the team.

Race Fam: How's the track feel? Do you feel prepared for qualifying on Saturday?

Robbie Buhl: With the way the weather's been we haven't had as much time on the track as we would like. But by the time the race rolls around we'll be ready.

Jorge Gonzalez: How hot does your car get?

Robbie Buhl: It's not uncommon during any given race to lose up to five pounds of water weight. I don't know exactly what the temperature is but I know it's really hot.

Jason Tweddle: What is your favorite track on the tour?

Robbie Buhl: I would have to say Phoenix. It's very challenging and exciting and lots of room for give and take.

Jack: What will it take to qualify for the race this weekend?

Robbie Buhl: I think you have to look at anywhere from 219 to 223. The way the weather looks I think 223 should take the pole.

elaine: Since you have a second car your team is working on will you consider putting someone else in it if you qualify well?

Robbie Buhl: At this point that car hasn't even turned a lap. We'll shake that car down tomorrow. But right now I really have no idea.

I appreciate the questions. I feel like we have a really good car and can't wait to race. So long.