heard from a few readers that it was reported on Indianapolis TV channel 13 WTHR/NBC on their 6:30pm newscast that IRL driver Sam Hornish has signed with DEI to drive in some BGN and possibly a Cup race or two in 2003. On ESPN2’s RPM 2 Night, Robin Miller reported that Hornish’s current team, Panther Racing [sponsor Pennaoil], has picked up Hornish’s contract option for 2003 to run the full IRL season. Being told that Hornish will run the full IRL season and a few BGN races for DEI.(6-26-2002)
UPDATE: Ty Norris, executive vice president for high-profile DEI, confirmed Wednesday plans are being finalized to have Sam Hornish Jr., the defending Indy Racing League champion, compete in “some” stock car races next season. Hornish likely will drive in the BGN, although John Barnes, general manager of Hornish’s IRL team, Panther Racing, said the deal could include Cup races at the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. “We’re two or three weeks away from knowing our entire lineup for next year,” Norris said. “But Hornish is something we want to do if we can get the details worked out.” Hornish, who turns 23 next week, emphasized he will remain a full-time IRL driver, in part because he’s locked in to Panther through next season. The Indianapolis-based team officially exercised its third-year option on Hornish in January and is negotiating an extension through 2005. Both sides hope to sign the contract by season’s end. Hornish said his priority remains in the IRL with Panther. They are currently third in points with two wins this season. “(NASCAR) might be (worth) more money, but it’s twice as much traveling,” Hornish said. “I’d like to stay with (Panther) for the next 10 years. It might not work out that way, but that’s what I want.”(Indianapolis Star)(6-27-2002)
