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Saturday, July 7 Kansas Speedway receiving rave reviews Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will always be No. 1 in the hearts of Indy Racing League drivers. But even before Sunday's Ameristar Casino Indy 200, the new Kansas Speedway has earned its share of ardent admirers. Cheever Jr. "This is a world-class facility. That track is as flat as this table," driver Eddie Cheever Jr. said. "For the longest of times, we always considered Texas (Motor Speedway) to be our second track to Indy, but I think Kansas will give Texas a good run for its money." The word that popped up most often after Friday's practice sessions: "smooth." "Given that we are running top speeds at over 215 miles per hour in this heat, it's a credit to the track," said Jaques Lazier. Heating up First aid officials treated more than 70 people for heat-related problems as the temperature hovered around 100 degrees Saturday. An official said they were given either oral or IV fluids. Keeping busy This is the IRL's fourth race weekend in a five-week span that started June 9 at Texas Motor Speedway, and that's just fine by driver Robbie Buhl. "I think it's great for the series and also for our fan base," Buhl said. "I like getting in the car every weekend," he said. "I think it's great for momentum. If you have a bad weekend, you can get back at it -- and physically, it's not that tough on us." Buhl, 38, couldn't resist a dig at the 43-year-old Cheever. "Well, maybe it's tougher on Eddie," Buhl said. "He's older." Rock Chalk Jayhawk This race weekend marks a homecoming of sorts for the IRL's Rick Galles, owner of Galles Racing. Galles, his wife, Tina, and their daughters, Cindy and Cori, all graduated from the University of Kansas in nearby Lawrence. Galles drivers Al Unser Jr. and Didier Andre are sporting Kansas Jayhawks stickers on their rides this weekend in honor of their owner's alma mater. Back in time Sunday's Ameristar Casino Indy 200 will be the first Indy-style race in the Kansas City area since July 4, 1924, when Jimmy Murphy won at the old Kansas City Speedway. Pit stops Bill Tobin, executive vice president of personnel for the Detroit Lions, was scheduled to be in the pits during the Ameristar Casino Indy 200 as the guest of quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh is co-owner of Panther Racing. Sunday's field includes three Indianapolis 500 winners: Al Unser Jr. (1992 and 1994), Buddy Lazier (1996) and Cheever (1998). Both race days at the 75,000-seat Kansas Speedway have been sold out since April 9. The Ameristar Casino Indy 200 is the IRL's only sellout this season besides the Indy 500. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

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