JoeBob
04-23-04, 08:07 PM
http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/140595-8577-092.html
Also, here's the press release (no link)
After 21 years in the driver’s seat, Robbie Buhl will be watching IndyCar Series races from a new perspective when the Indy Racing League takes to the track for the remainder of the 2004 season. Buhl will remain on the other side of the wall wearing his owner’s hat full time instead of the familiar fluorescent orange and white helmet, as the 40 year-old Detroit native and IndyCar Series veteran announced his retirement here today.
“It was not an easy decision,” said Buhl. “My life has been racing, but personal goals continue to evolve for all of us. I remember when my goal was just to drive in the Indy 500. Now I’ve started in the front row, started in the back row, and I’ve led the race. I may leave some unfinished business at the Brickyard, but this is the right decision for everyone---my family, my team, and me. I’m healthy, happy, and walking away on my own terms.”
“I worked hard in the off season, and I’m probably in the best shape I’ve ever been in as a driver,’ Buhl added. “But the mental part of this sport requires 110% of your attention 110% of the time, and it was just my time to say ‘enough’.”
One of two active drivers from the inaugural IRL 1996 season, Buhl joined Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) of Indianapolis as a driver in 1999. He became a co-owner in 2000, and raced this season as one of only three owner/drivers in the league.
His driving accomplishments include two IRL victories; a third place IRL points finish (1996) and two national championships, winning the 1992 Indy Lights Championship and 1989 Barber Dodge Pro Series. Buhl’s Indy Lights record of 27 podium finishes (with 11 consecutive in 1992) in 50 starts has never been equaled. He’s also won the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona as a co-driver in the GT class for Roush Racing, and previously driven open wheel cars for Greg Beck, John Menard and AJ Foyt. He has started in eight Indianapolis 500’s, including a front row start in second position in 2002, with his highest finish of sixth in 1999
Respected by his fellow drivers as a solid, competitive and consistent racer, he’s served as their representative to the Championship Drivers Association (CDA) for the past three years, working with Dr. Hank Bock and the IRL toward enhancing safety measures for the drivers.
“Stepping aside as a driver will put my full attention and focus on ownership and what needs to be done outside the car,” said Buhl. “My knowledge, love and commitment for this sport will now be directly focused on building on the successes of DRR and continuing my relationship with ‘Racing for Kids’.”
Aventis Pharmaceuticals and its legacy companies have sponsored Buhl since 1990, a lengthy partnership by most motorsports standards. Purex has been with the team and Buhl since it was first formed in 2000 when they won their first race effort with the new team at Walt Disney World.
“Very few people have the opportunity to spend their entire careers in something they feel truly passionate about,” Buhl noted. “I know how fortunate I am, not only to have had the chance to drive, but now to also remain an active part of the racing community.”
In his own mischievous way, Buhl teased his team yesterday, as he broke the news of his decision.
“I told my team that just because I was out of the car didn’t mean that I wouldn’t be all over them to get everything right,” Buhl said. If they thought I was a pain in the car, they haven’t seen anything yet.”
A smiling co-owner Dennis Reinbold agreed that he may indeed have his hands full with Buhl more actively involved in the team’s management.
“His energy and enthusiasm are going to be newly focused on a broader perspective,” said Reinbold. “I have every confidence that his experiences will constructively contribute to the success of our new driver, and that our team will prosper and grow under his full-time efforts on the business side.”
Near contemporaries, Buhl and Reinbold have much in common besides the race team. Both own multiple business entities (including auto dealerships), have competitive athletic histories (Buhl as an All-District NCAA lacrosse player and Reinbold as a college pitcher), and vacation together in northern Michigan with their families several times a year.
“We saw a glimmer of what we expect a couple of years ago when he was injured (at California) and got to coach Sarah (Fisher) for his ride at Nazareth,” said Reinbold. “He was on top of everything with meticulous detail, and he must’ve paced 300 miles in the pits while he was scrutinizing our every move.”
Buhl will continue as the national spokesman for “Racing for Kids,” a role he has enjoyed for 15 years while visiting more than 14,000 young patients in children’s hospitals across the globe during his regular pre-race routine. Founded in 1989, the charitable organization seeks to focus attention on the health care needs of children, and has raised nearly three million dollars for local children’s hospitals and child health institutions.
Dreyer and Reinbold will host a press conference early next week to announce the new driver for the #24 entry. Longtime team sponsors Purex and Aventis will remain with Buhl’s team, with the expected addition of new partners as well. The announcement will begin a new chapter in the life of Robbie Buhl, and a continuing evolution for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
That last paragraph makes it sound like he's stepped aside so somebody who can actually fund the team could drive.
Also, here's the press release (no link)
After 21 years in the driver’s seat, Robbie Buhl will be watching IndyCar Series races from a new perspective when the Indy Racing League takes to the track for the remainder of the 2004 season. Buhl will remain on the other side of the wall wearing his owner’s hat full time instead of the familiar fluorescent orange and white helmet, as the 40 year-old Detroit native and IndyCar Series veteran announced his retirement here today.
“It was not an easy decision,” said Buhl. “My life has been racing, but personal goals continue to evolve for all of us. I remember when my goal was just to drive in the Indy 500. Now I’ve started in the front row, started in the back row, and I’ve led the race. I may leave some unfinished business at the Brickyard, but this is the right decision for everyone---my family, my team, and me. I’m healthy, happy, and walking away on my own terms.”
“I worked hard in the off season, and I’m probably in the best shape I’ve ever been in as a driver,’ Buhl added. “But the mental part of this sport requires 110% of your attention 110% of the time, and it was just my time to say ‘enough’.”
One of two active drivers from the inaugural IRL 1996 season, Buhl joined Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) of Indianapolis as a driver in 1999. He became a co-owner in 2000, and raced this season as one of only three owner/drivers in the league.
His driving accomplishments include two IRL victories; a third place IRL points finish (1996) and two national championships, winning the 1992 Indy Lights Championship and 1989 Barber Dodge Pro Series. Buhl’s Indy Lights record of 27 podium finishes (with 11 consecutive in 1992) in 50 starts has never been equaled. He’s also won the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona as a co-driver in the GT class for Roush Racing, and previously driven open wheel cars for Greg Beck, John Menard and AJ Foyt. He has started in eight Indianapolis 500’s, including a front row start in second position in 2002, with his highest finish of sixth in 1999
Respected by his fellow drivers as a solid, competitive and consistent racer, he’s served as their representative to the Championship Drivers Association (CDA) for the past three years, working with Dr. Hank Bock and the IRL toward enhancing safety measures for the drivers.
“Stepping aside as a driver will put my full attention and focus on ownership and what needs to be done outside the car,” said Buhl. “My knowledge, love and commitment for this sport will now be directly focused on building on the successes of DRR and continuing my relationship with ‘Racing for Kids’.”
Aventis Pharmaceuticals and its legacy companies have sponsored Buhl since 1990, a lengthy partnership by most motorsports standards. Purex has been with the team and Buhl since it was first formed in 2000 when they won their first race effort with the new team at Walt Disney World.
“Very few people have the opportunity to spend their entire careers in something they feel truly passionate about,” Buhl noted. “I know how fortunate I am, not only to have had the chance to drive, but now to also remain an active part of the racing community.”
In his own mischievous way, Buhl teased his team yesterday, as he broke the news of his decision.
“I told my team that just because I was out of the car didn’t mean that I wouldn’t be all over them to get everything right,” Buhl said. If they thought I was a pain in the car, they haven’t seen anything yet.”
A smiling co-owner Dennis Reinbold agreed that he may indeed have his hands full with Buhl more actively involved in the team’s management.
“His energy and enthusiasm are going to be newly focused on a broader perspective,” said Reinbold. “I have every confidence that his experiences will constructively contribute to the success of our new driver, and that our team will prosper and grow under his full-time efforts on the business side.”
Near contemporaries, Buhl and Reinbold have much in common besides the race team. Both own multiple business entities (including auto dealerships), have competitive athletic histories (Buhl as an All-District NCAA lacrosse player and Reinbold as a college pitcher), and vacation together in northern Michigan with their families several times a year.
“We saw a glimmer of what we expect a couple of years ago when he was injured (at California) and got to coach Sarah (Fisher) for his ride at Nazareth,” said Reinbold. “He was on top of everything with meticulous detail, and he must’ve paced 300 miles in the pits while he was scrutinizing our every move.”
Buhl will continue as the national spokesman for “Racing for Kids,” a role he has enjoyed for 15 years while visiting more than 14,000 young patients in children’s hospitals across the globe during his regular pre-race routine. Founded in 1989, the charitable organization seeks to focus attention on the health care needs of children, and has raised nearly three million dollars for local children’s hospitals and child health institutions.
Dreyer and Reinbold will host a press conference early next week to announce the new driver for the #24 entry. Longtime team sponsors Purex and Aventis will remain with Buhl’s team, with the expected addition of new partners as well. The announcement will begin a new chapter in the life of Robbie Buhl, and a continuing evolution for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
That last paragraph makes it sound like he's stepped aside so somebody who can actually fund the team could drive.