INDIANAPOLIS (May 19, 1996) - It was announced today that Danny Ongais will drive Scott Brayton's car in next Sunday's 80th running of the Indianapolis 500. Indy 500 Report:
Danny Ongais To Drive
Brayton's Car
Brayton, who qualified for the pole position for the second straight year, was killed in a crash during practice on Friday.
Ongais, who hasn't driven an Indy car since he was injured before the 1987 Indy 500, was picked as a substitute driver by car owner John Menard on Sunday, the final day of qualifications for the May 26 race.
"We looked long and hard to find somebody that would be appropriate to do this," Menard said. "I've known Danny for many years. We're very happy to be associated with him, although we're wishing it would be under different circumstances.
"But Danny's going to do a fine job and carry on what Scott, I think, would want done, and that's to see the car raced on race day here at the greatest race in the world."
Ongais, who turns 54 on Tuesday and will be the oldest driver in the field, must start the race at the rear of the field because he is a substitute driver.
"When I decided to come back to championship car racing, the Indianapolis 500 was not my choice of venue to begin. It just happened to be a race on the schedule. But I had no doubts at that time, and having spent some time in a car this month, it reinforces my thoughts."
Ongais passed a 20-lap refresher test required by the U.S. Auto Club on Saturday in a 1993 car owned by Brickell Racing Group, but there never was a firm arrangement to make a qualification attempt, he said.
"It had been some time but the track felt about the same as when I was last here," Ongais said. "My perception didn't change. The speed was comfortable, and when I got close to the speeds I needed to be running, everything blended well."
"I have rather large shoes to fill, and I will do the best I can for Team Menard," Ongais said. "You can sense that it's a difficult time."
