Lazier joins Indy 500 line up

12 yrs after winning his first Indy 500, Colorado born Buddy Lazier returns to Indianapolis this month with team owner Ron Hemelgarn for another kick at the can, attempting to qualify the No. 91 Hemelgarn Johnson entry for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

Lazier, who has participated in 15 Indianapolis 500's, made his Indy debut in 1991, winning the famous race on his fourth attempt in 1996 and eventually become series champion in 2000.

“I love the Indianapolis 500 and everything about the IndyCar Series,” said Lazier, who finished second in the 500 in 1998 and 2000 and fifth in 2005. “I lie awake at night because I want to be part of it. Ron has given me an opportunity to be part of it. We’ve struggled and we’ve had success together in the past. The two of us have experienced what it’s like to finish 33rd and have a horrible day, and we’ve experienced winning. It’s nice to be back together. It’s a last-minute program, but we’re going to make the best of it. I think we’ll have a strong race car and we’ll be a factor on race day.”

This year marks the 30th year that Ron Hemelgarn has participated in the Indianapolis 500 as either a sponsor or team owner.

“Buddy and I go back to 1989,” Hemelgarn said. “We’ve had great success together winning races, winning a championship and winning the Indianapolis 500. We’re assembling a team again to run the 500. We’re all very excited about it. We have the same crew chief as our championship year, Lee Kunzman is still there. We’re looking forward to it. It’s an exciting time, and hopefully we’ll do well.”