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Monday July 23rd, 2001
Gibson, Lazier 'sparkle' at inaugural Harrah's Indy 200
On Saturday night, the Indy Racing League Northern Light Series debuted at the Nashville Superspeedway in the Harrah's Indy 200. The sell-out crowd saw a great race consisting of 11 lead changes among 7 drivers with speeds approaching 200 mph. Driver Buddy Lazier won the race during the final laps. His trophy was a diamond-finish Gibson Les Paul Standard Sparkle.
When Lazier was asked at the post race press conference if he was "...going to play at the end of the year 'We Are the Champions' with that Gibson or what?"
He responded with a confident, "I can and I'll do that at the end of the season. You bet."
A.J. Foyt's Harrah's sponsored car driven by Donnie Beechler was carrying Gibson Pure logos. Beechler was running in the top five when he was caught up in a wreck between Greg Ray and Eddie Cheever Jr. As Beechler tried to avoid the accident, he was hit by Al Unser Jr. Beechler was able to continue but lost several laps. He finished the race in tenth. Lazier dominated the late stages of the race, winning by ten seconds ahead of runnerup Billy Boat. Only ten of the 21 cars who started the race completed the race. Lazier became the winningest driver ever in the Indy Racing League with seven victories. Following is an exclusive photo gallery from the race.
Beechler signs autographs for fans before the race Ready to Race! A.J. Foyt looking over the car on pit road Donnie gets last minute advise from the veteran Gibson Pure - proud to be a part of the night's event Beechler makes a strong pass on the inside Fast and furious pit action Lazier makes his last pit stop enroute to victory Buddy and Team Owner Ron Hemelgarn celebrate the win Brother Jaques congratulates Buddy "We are the Champions" ? Buddy Lazier, Winner of the Inaugural Harrah's Indy 200! Congratulations!
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