With Weekend of Final Qualifying Opening, Sneva Gets an Indy Ride
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INDIANAPOLIS — Sneva, the 1983 Indianapolis 500 winner, finally has a ride for the 75th renewal of the race.
Sneva, who will turn 43 June 1, was chosen Friday to drive a Buick-powered 1989 Lola for John Menard, who already has entries driven by Gary Bettenhausen and Kevin Cogan qualified for the May 26 race.
The car, which has been updated to 1990 configuration, was being prepared for the three-time national driving champion on Friday, with Sneva expected to practice this morning and attempt to qualify for his 18th Indy start later in the day on the final weekend of qualifying.
Bettenhausen, who is the fastest qualifier so far in his primary car, has gotten the spare up to 211.526 m.p.h.
“It’s a good car,” Sneva said. “Gary’s had it on the race track and it’s a safe car because John’s crew has prepared it. If I can remember how to get back on the bicycle in a few laps, we’ll be OK.”
The first weekend of qualifying produced 22 cars for the 33-car field, with the remaining positions to be filled today and Sunday.
Roberto Guerrero led non-qualified drivers in Friday practice, driving an Alfa Romeo-powered Lola 216.941 m.p.h.
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