KV Racing Technology announced that former Indianapolis 500-winning car owner Barry Green has joined the team as race strategist for Paul Tracy’s No. 15 GEICO – KV Racing Technology entry for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.Green and Tracy come back together at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time since the controversial 2002 Indy 500 finish when Tracy was awarded second place in the No 26 Team Kool Green car. After the 2002 event Green and Tracy protested the finish as they believed Tracy had passed leader Helio Castroneves in Turn 3 of Lap 198 before the caution lights were lit for a Turn 2 crash. Green’s organization filed a written protest that was heard by a special committee that decided the protest was disallowed with Castroneves retaining the win.
Green later that year sold his Team Green operation to Michael Andretti, Kevin Savoree and his younger brother, Kim, and Andretti Green Racing was formed to compete in the 2003 IndyCar Series.
Barry Green who also tried to help Jacques Villeneuve in his attempt to secure a racing seat at NASCAR Sprint Cup announced:
"I’m very excited to return to the Indianapolis 500 and work with Paul again. Paul and I both feel we have some unfinished business at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I want to thank (KV Racing Technology team owners) Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser for this opportunity to assist Paul and his GEICO crew throughout the month. I have worked with John Dick (Tracy’s engineer) on numerous occasions and I believe we have a strong effort to challenge for an Indy 500 victory.”
Tracy, a champcar and Indycar veteran driver who lost his driving seat in the series and has been a six-time Indianapolis 500 starter, is delighted to have Green back calling his race this year.
"With my tenure at Team Kool Green, Barry called every one of my races and called all of my race wins including winning the 2002 Indianapolis 500. When Jimmy (Vasser) and I sat down at Long Beach to discuss our Indy 500 plans, Jimmy told me he couldn’t be as hands-on with my car as he was last year. He asked me to explore the right person to help me at Indy.
It didn’t take long to think of Barry. He has the same desire and commitment to winning as I do. Obviously, he was my choice to work with me this year."
Tracy’s entry will be the fourth for KVRT in this year’s Indianapolis 500.Tracy will team with rookie Takuma Sato in the No. 5 Lotus - KVRT car, E.J. Viso in the No. 8 PDVSA – KVRT car Mario Moraes in No. 32 KV Racing Technology `car.
Team Owner and 1996 CART series champion Jimmy Vasser explained:
"Paul asked me about bringing Barry in for the Indy 500 and I was elated. I had to race against Barry’s team for many years, and I can appreciate his expertise in calling races. Having him with KV Racing Technology gives us an added bonus as we prepare to enter the month of May and the biggest race in the world. I am very pleased with our four-car lineup for the Indy 500."
