Gary Bettenhausen Qualifies
For U.S. 500

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BROOKLYN (May 24, 1996) -- Gary Bettenhausen qualified Team Alumax's second entry at the U.S. 500, today Bettenhausen, 54, will drive the team's '94 Penske PC23/Mercedes-Benz alongside the team's regular driver - Stefan Johansson.

Gary qualified the #26 car at 208.607 mph (34.515s).

"We have been grateful to have the support of Alumax for our program," said Tony Bettenhausen. "So we thought it would be good to run a pair of Team Alumax cars since Alumax is one of the U.S. 500 corporate sponsors and since they will be bringing so many employees, customers and guests to the race."

"Obviously there was a lot of speculation about the driver for our second car, but Gary was always my first choice," said Tony. "I think his record speaks for itself and since we were unable to get him qualified at Indianapolis when he drove for us two years ago, we felt we had some unfinished business to attend to."

"Even though it is a two year old car, it was brand new when we purchased it from Penske last year and we didn't run it much during the season so it has pretty low mileage. We have made some modifications that should make the car competitive. Besides that, Stefan drove the car at MIS last year so we know it is capable of going the distance."

"I think it's going to feel great," said Gary Bettenhausen. "I really appreciate the opportunity that Tony and Alumax are giving me. Without them, I'd be watching the race from the sidelines."

Bettenhausen captured one of his four Indy car victories at Michigan International Speedway in 1970 when he won the Michigan 200. His other Indy car wins came at Phoenix, Trenton and Texas World Speedway.