65 replies to this topic

[Jimmy Piget]

There is one called the AIS (American Indy car Series), which took life in 1988, and another one, born last year, called USSS.

Unfortunately, both of their official web sites only provide very tiny information on the races they organized.

For example, they don't give race results for every round, nor they publish press release each time — few updates of their sites, and it's uneasy to know at least the winner !

And when it's up to be taught which chassis / engine combination for each driver, it's like a cliff in the whole width of the road !

Does somebody here ever looked into these series ?

[GBarclay]

The USSS is a re-birth ( if you will ) of the AIS - American Indy Car Series.

AIS was a series for Indy cars that ran from the late 80's until a few years ago. Cars were Indy cars that were no longer eligible for Indy Car (pre CART/IRL split) . Chassis (Lola, March, Reynard)were anywhere from a couple of years to a dozen years old. Both turbo and N/A engines were eligible, there was an equivalency formula. Lots of SB Chevy's, Buick Turbo's, Ford Cosworth's. Indy Lights cars formed an AIS Lite class.

Series ran on all tracks, from 1/3 mile ovals to street circuits to road courses. Raced all over the USA, also Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. AIS was the brainchild of Bill Tempero, ex CanAm, F5000, now retired. In some instances the cars were quicker than they had been when run under Indy rules. A lot more HP, more downforce, skirts, super sticky tires. JPMontoya did a commercial using an AIS car at Sebring, it was two and a half seconds quicker than his CART car had been in testing at the same track.

Amongst some of the gentleman racers that made up the backbone of the series, there were also some real hotshoes. Johnny and Robbie Unser, Buddy and Jaques Lazier (IRL), JC Carbonell, Rick Sutherland (ALMS). Some teams in the late 90's were running budgets in the hundreds of thousands of $$$. But it was one of the cheapest series to offer that much power.

AIS was sold in 98 or 99 and faded after that. Some of the competing teams have fromed together to run USSS. Similar rules and racing.

Are you looking to compete? or just the history? I can put you in contact with people either way.

Email me - GBarclay@aol.com

[Jimmy Piget]

It's just for history. I has gather a few data, but it's very uncompleted with large gaps I can't fill.
I've sent some emails to the ex-owners of the AIS (Rick Decker 3 years ago) but for nuts.
Here are the race winners I'm sure of :

CAT Thunder car Series

1987
Rosamond (USA) Willow Springs 9 Buddy Lazier (own March / Chevrolet)
etc.
(no further information)

American Indy car Series

1988 — AIS championship 1st Buddy Lazier
6 wins Buddy Lazier (own March / Chevrolet)
2 wins Robby Unser (DeSimone Lola / Chevrolet)

1989 — AIS championship 1st Robby Unser
New York (USA) Shangri-La (Oct 1) ? ( ? / ?)
12 wins Robby Unser (DeSimone Lola / Chevrolet)
3 wins Buddy Lazier (own March / Chevrolet)

1990 — AIS championship 1st Bill Tempero (car / engine not available, wins not available)
3 wins Johnny Unser (own ? / ?)
etc.

1991 — AIS championship 1st Bill Tempero (car / engine not available, wins not available)
Ciudad Juárez (MEX) la Jolla (Jun 23) ? ( ? / ?)
etc.

1992 — AIS championship 1st Rod Bennett
Utah 150 (USA) Springville-Suntana (date ?) Jimmy Santos (own ? / ?)
Los Ángeles GP (USA) Willow Springs (date ?) Johnny Unser (Speedway ? / ?)
1 win Rod Bennett (own ? / ?)
etc.

1993 — AIS championship 1st Rick Sutherland
Utah 150 (USA) Springville-Suntana (date ?) Jimmy Santos (own ? / ?)
1 win Rick Sutherland (own March / Chevrolet)
etc.

1994 — AIS championship 1st Bill Tempero (own Lola / Buick-Menard, wins not available)
Oswego (USA) (date ?) Richard Griffin (own ? / ?)
Rosamond (USA) Willow Springs (date ?) Jon Field (own ? / ?)
1 win Jon Field (own ? / ?)

1995 — AIS championship 1st Bill Tempero
1. Rosamond (USA) Willow Springs (May 14) Bill Tempero (own Lola / Buick-Menard)
2. Utah 150 (USA) Springville-Suntana (May 27) Bill Tempero (own Lola / Buick-Menard)
3. Colorado 100 I (USA) Fort Collins (Jul 29) ? ( ? / ?)
4. Colorado 100 II (USA) Fort Collins (Jul 30) ? ( ? / ?)
5. Las Vegas 125 (USA) Nellis (Sep 2) Jimmy Santos (own Lola / Chevrolet)
6. Tulsa (USA) Hallett (Sep 17) ? ( ? / ?)
7. Kansas City (USA) Lakeside (Oct 8) ? ( ? / ?)
8. México 100 (MEX) La Enseñada (Oct 29) Jimmy Santos (own Lola / Chevrolet)
9. Rosamond (USA) Willow Springs (Nov 12) ? ( ? / ?)

1996 — AIS championship 1st Ken Petrie
1. Utah 150 (USA) Springville-Suntana (Jun 1) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
2. Calgary (CDN) road (Jun 29) Jimmy Santos (own Lola / Chevrolet)
3. Calgary GP (CDN) oval (Jun 30) Bill Tempero (own Lola / Buick-Menard)
4. Colorado 100 I (USA) Fort Collins (Jul 13) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
5. Colorado 100 II (USA) Fort Collins (Jul 14) Jacques Lazier (Loophole ? / ?)
6. Sauk Centre (USA) (Aug 4) ? ( ? / ?)
7. West Richland I (USA) (Aug 31) ? ( ? / ?)
8. West Richland II (USA) (Sep 1) ? ( ? / ?)
9. Tulsa (USA) Hallett (Oct 20) ? ( ? / ?)
10. Rosamond (USA) Willow Springs (Nov 3) ? ( ? / ?)
11. Palm Springs (USA) (Nov 24) ? ( ? / ?)
? wins in the races above Greg Gorden (own ? / ?)

1997 — AIS championship 1st Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet, wins not available)
México 100 (MEX) La Enseñada (Jun 30) Jimmy Santos (own Lola / Chevrolet)
Cedar Rapids (USA) Hawkeye Downs (Aug 10) ? ( ? / ?)
Calgary GP (CDN) oval 1 (Aug 16) ( ? / ?)
etc.

• AIS statistics : all the winners 1988-1997 (which relevant races ? Car / Engine ? — no information…)
Bill Tempero (23) — Robby Unser (14*) — Ken Petrie (11) — Buddy Lazier (9*) — Jimmy Santos (6) — Johnny Unser (4*) — Greg Gorden (3) — Kevin Whitesides (2) — Jon Field (2*) — Scott Knudsen (1) — Rod Bennett (1*) — Rick Sutherland (1*) — John Morton (1) — Nicola Marozzo (1) — Richard Griffin (1*) — Jacques Lazier (1*)

1998 — AIS championship 1st Ken Petrie
1. Tulsa (USA) Hallett (Apr 5) Shayne Stephens (Bill Tempero Lola / Buick-Menard)
2. Magic Valley 100 (USA) Twin Falls (Jun 13) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
3. Cedar Rapids (USA) Hawkeye Downs (Jul 28) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
4. Calgary GP (CDN) oval (Sep 20) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
5. Alabama GP (USA) Birmingham (Oct 25) Greg Gorden (own Lola / Buick-Menard)

1999 — AIS championship 1st Bill Tempero
1. LaCrosse 100 (USA) (May 23) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
2. Colorado GP (USA) Mead (Jun 20) Bill Tempero (own Lola / Buick-Menard)
3. Magic Valley 100 (USA) Twin Falls (Jul 10) Jimmy Santos (own Lola / Chevrolet)
4. Los Ángeles Street Race (USA) Exposition Park (Sep 5) Bill Tempero (own Lola / Buick-Menard)

2000 — AIS championship 1st Mike Lee (car / engine not available, wins not available)
1. Tulsa (USA) Hallett (May 19) Greg Gorden (own Lola / Buick-Menard)
2. St Johns GP (USA) (Jul 3) Jimmy Santos (own Reynard / Ilmor-Mercedes-Benz)
3. Colorado GP (USA) Pueblo (Aug 14) Juan Carlos Carbonell (own Lola / Buick-Menard)
4. Sears Point (USA) (Oct 16) ? ( ? / ?)
5. Phoenix (USA) Avondale (Nov 26) ? ( ? / ?)

2001 — No information

2002 — AIS championship
1. Las Vegas (USA) Nellis (Apr 21) Eddie Nahir (Shaver Lola / Chevrolet)
2. Thunderhill (USA) (May 19) ? ( ? / ?)
3. Historic Festival (USA) Fontana (Jun 23) Eddie Nahir (Shaver Lola / Chevrolet)
4. Willow Springs (USA) (Oct 6) ? ( ? / ?)
5. Phoenix (USA) Avondale (Nov 24) to be run
6. Aloha GP (USA) Honolulu (Dec 15) to be run

U.S. Speedway Series

2001 — USSS championship 1st Ken Petrie
1. Pikes Peak GP (USA) Denver (May ) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
2. Las Vegas (USA) Nellis (date ?) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
3. Albuquerque Shootout (USA) Sandia (Jun ) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
4. Dodge City Showdown (USA) (Jul 14) Phil Erickson (Fast Line Lola / Buick-Menard)
5. Albuquerque Shootout (USA) Sandia (Aug 30) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
6. Firebird Showdown (USA) (Sep 30) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
7. Pikes Peak GP (USA) Denver (Oct 14) Greg Gorden (own G-Force / Oldsmobile)
8. Firebird Showdown (USA) (Nov 25) Greg Gorden (own G-Force / Oldsmobile)

2002 — USSS championship
1. San Antonio Shootout (USA) (Apr 20) Phil Erickson (Fast Line Lola / Buick-Menard)
2. Pikes Peak GP (USA) Denver (May 11) Greg Gorden (own G-Force / Oldsmobile)
3. Dodge City Showdown (USA) (Jun 15) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
4. Magic Valley 100 (USA) Twin Falls (Jul 27) Ken Petrie (Precision March / Chevrolet)
5. Rocky Mountain GP (USA) Pueblo (Aug 18) ? ( ? / ?)
6. Albuquerque Shootout (USA) Sandia (Sep 7) ? ( ? / ?)
7. Las Vegas GP (USA) Nellis (Oct 5) ? ( ? / ?)
8. Firebird Showdown (USA) 9 (Dec 1) to be run

A lot to be unveiled, isn't it ?

[O Volante]

A small remark, perhaps confusing the matter even more: the following has been made public in a press handout by the management of Kiwi-driver-in-the-US Matt Halliday in c. July this year:

"HALLIDAY HAS FIRST WIN IN THE USA AS NEW CAMPAIGN APPROACHES.
New Zealand racing driver Matt Halliday has had the perfect warm up to his second American motor racing season with a dominant victory in an unofficial series race held on Monday morning (NZ Time). The race was part of a series comprising older Indy Racing League (IRL) cars and was held on a short oval circuit at the Dodge City Raceway. The car he drove was a 1999 IRL car run by the team with whom Halliday hopes to contest his 2002 campaign thus making his debut win in the USA even more important. Halliday is close to signing a contract for this season with an announcement of his programme expected within the next ten days and it's highly likely he will compete in the all new Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series to be run as the "lights" class of the IRL Indycar Championship. ..."

Is this a third 2002 series, or is the report refering to the USSS series' June 15 race, above mentioned with Ken Petrie as the winner?

[Berner]

IIRC, the Moosehead GP in Halifax, NS, Canada featured the AIS for 1 or 2 ? years before switching to British F2 (or was AIS-F2 a twin-bill?). The names Santos and Unser bring back some fond memories of that race. The promoter was John Graham who still races a Porsche 911 GTR in selected endurance races in the States. Hope that helps.

[Allen Brown]

I never thought anyone would be interested in this series!

In 1985 and 1986, as Can-Am was dying a slow death, the drivers organised themselves as CAT (Can-Am Teams) and started to take over the running of the series. There were two main lobby groups, those who wanted to keep the old F5000-based cars, led by Horst Kroll, and those who wanted a 6-litre Indycar-based formula, led by Bill Tempero. After the SCCA pulled the plug at the end of 1986, the teams carried on with their own championship, starting in October 1986 with a single race at Hallet and continuing through 1987.

After that, CAT folded but Tempero led his side off to create AIS, losing the Can-Am bodywork and running the old Indycars in their original bodywork but with 6-litre Chev stockblock engines. The cars were typically Marchs of 83/84/85 vintage with the occasional Penske or Watson to liven things up. I looked up the results in 1988 to see if any of the old cCn-Am cars appeared but when I saw they didn't, I didn't track the series any further.

So I have results for the 1986-87 CAT races but not the 1988-onwards AIS. On Track gave the results for 1988 and I guess would have full results for later years.

Allen

[Jim Thurman]

Coverage of the AIS series was pretty spotty at best. As Allen mentions, On Track did have good coverage, at least I recall some in issues I have. I'll be glad to check those for you Jimmy, but it will be a bit before I can get around to it (first, I have to find my On Track collection).

I was going to mention the races at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Suntana Speedway (Springville, Utah) is a 1/3 mile paved oval. Some races were also held at Colorado National Speedway, a 3/8 mile paved oval.

Good thing the series based on old IRL cars wasn't started earlier...I wonder if there would have been any cars left to use


Jim Thurman

[MrAerodynamicist]

Slightly of-topic, but for UK viewers, we can currently watch the Thouroughbred Grand Prix championship on Five, early hours of tuesday morning. It's an hour show, much of it is actually olf footage and interviews dicussing history.

[Buford]

I saw them run at Las Vegas a few weeks ago. There were 7 or 8 cars. One fast guy who lapped everybody twice. He had a March 86.

[wildman]

I've just uploaded a gallery of photos from an AIS race I attended in 1993:
http://wildhirt.com/photos/ais93

[RA Historian]

As much as the organizers and participants of these forgotten series would have you believe otherwise, these "throwaway" series made up of the dregs of former series that had folded were, at best, back water operations. They came and went without creating much of a ripple on the motor racing pond.

Tom

[Rainer Nyberg]

I've just uploaded a gallery of photos from an AIS race I attended in 1993:
http://wildhirt.com/photos/ais93

Very interesting photographs Dan.
As a fan of both Indycars and obscurity, these fits perfectly

AIS was not a bad idea, cheapish used cars with stock block engines.
A lot of bang for the buck.

Second rate or back water operations, I guess it is called clubman racing in Europe, real enthusiasts if any!

[GBarclay]

I've just uploaded a gallery of photos from an AIS race I attended in 1993:
http://wildhirt.com/photos/ais93

Pictures from Mead (also called Continental Divide Raceway - not to be confused with the orginal track of the same name near Castle Rock)

I get pissy everytime I drive past there on the I-25, and think how we could have had a track like Miller so close to the race shop. At least we have High Plains Raceway now

nice pics

[RShaw]

Here is a picture taken in the pits at an AIS race at Second Creek Raceway near Denver, probably some time in the early 1990s.
Second Creek was a club racing circuit, expired a couple of years ago, near where Denver Int'l Airport is today. At 1.2 miles is was marvelously unsuited to the AIS monsters, but they couldn't dictate where they ran.
The picture itself is rather uninspiring and uninformative ... except for the name of the driver on the car.


Ron Shaw Photo

Edited by RShaw, 24 August 2009 - 21:19.

[ghinzani]

The picture itself is rather uninspiring and uninformative ... except for the name of the driver on the car.

Missing from the cockpit as usual.

[Sisyphus]

As much as the organizers and participants of these forgotten series would have you believe otherwise, these "throwaway" series made up of the dregs of former series that had folded were, at best, back water operations. They came and went without creating much of a ripple on the motor racing pond.

I think you are being a little harsh, Tom. While there were some undoubtably crude cars fielded, you have to admit those guys were brave (or maybe nuts--either option seems to work OK for a while). Those were seriously fast cars and tricky to drive, I'd guess. That track (Mead?) looked very 1960's in terms of basic safety--look at the lack of adequate guardrails!

I saw a few races at Willow Springs in the 90's and thought they were reasonably intertaining--certainly as interesting as local sprint cars.

AIS might not have been particularly inventive or going anywhere but still always fun to see small block V-8's in an open wheeled car on a road course.

[Rainer Nyberg]

2001 — No information

United States Speedway Series Champions
2001 Ken Petrie
2002 Eddie Nahir
2003 Ken Petrie
2004 Greg Gorden
2005 Bailey Dotson

According to http://www.champcars...erchampions.htm

[Rainer Nyberg]

This March 86C - which is for sale (http://www.race-cars...133396137ss.htm) - is apparently the 2000 championship winning car, and was raced in the series as recent as 2005.

[RA Historian]

I think you are being a little harsh, Tom. While there were some undoubtably crude cars fielded, you have to admit those guys were brave (or maybe nuts--either option seems to work OK for a while). Those were seriously fast cars and tricky to drive, I'd guess. That track (Mead?) looked very 1960's in terms of basic safety--look at the lack of adequate guardrails!

I saw a few races at Willow Springs in the 90's and thought they were reasonably intertaining--certainly as interesting as local sprint cars.

AIS might not have been particularly inventive or going anywhere but still always fun to see small block V-8's in an open wheeled car on a road course.

I do not disagree with you at all. Your comments are quite accurate. I guess that the thrust of my comments was that in the big picture of motor racing and hierachy of importance, these series were quite the non entity.

Tom

Edited by RA Historian, 25 August 2009 - 13:43.

[ghinzani]

I've just uploaded a gallery of photos from an AIS race I attended in 1993:
http://wildhirt.com/photos/ais93

You have so many great pics on your site, kudos to you!

[wildman]

You have so many great pics on your site, kudos to you!

Thanks. Lots more where those came from ... as time permits!

[Joe Nix]

Back in my "automotive journalist days" some of the most memorable events I covered were vintage racing at Willow Springs, Rosamond, California followed by the Valvoline Machinists American Indy-Car Series, Gold Cup, April 30/May 1, 1988 and the American Indy-Car Series, October 8-9, 1988.

I don't have results. I recall Buddy Lazier and an Andretti and a long enjoyable racing developments discussion in the press tower with Rodger Ward.

[Jim Thurman]

Yes, Tom...but insignifigant series are often what appeal to me the most as they are "the road less travelled".

At the time, I had great hopes for AIS. Imagine if it had truly been well run, better organized or better promoted, or better yet, had CART got it's "B" Series off the ground?

Perhaps it could have pre-emptively prevented some stupidity down the line.

On second thought, considering the source, probably not...

Edited by Jim Thurman, 27 August 2009 - 17:07.

[RA Historian]

Jim, you brought up something interesting. I recall that in 1985 CART announced a "B" series which was originally to be for older INdy cars no longer in use. Such a race was scheduled for Milwaukee in June, 1985. However, only two cars were entered, so the race, and the series, were cancelled, to be replaced by the ARS which started the following year.

I certainly do not disagree with part of what I think that you are saying. That is, the racing itself in these backwater series was not bad at all. I have no quarrel with that. I guess that my point is that the series itself, not the racing therein, was such that it was a 'B', 'C', or less series, and never was any type of a player on the big stage.

Tom

[Jim Thurman]

Jim, you brought up something interesting. I recall that in 1985 CART announced a "B" series which was originally to be for older INdy cars no longer in use. Such a race was scheduled for Milwaukee in June, 1985. However, only two cars were entered, so the race, and the series, were cancelled, to be replaced by the ARS which started the following year.

I certainly do not disagree with part of what I think that you are saying. That is, the racing itself in these backwater series was not bad at all. I have no quarrel with that. I guess that my point is that the series itself, not the racing therein, was such that it was a 'B', 'C', or less series, and never was any type of a player on the big stage.

Tom, yes...I recall that Mid-Ohio had plans for a "B" series race as well. I also seem to recall Willy T. Ribbs being one of the two entries.

That is exactly what I am saying - also that I like to research and chronicle these sorts of series, rather than be the 1000 person doing something on F1

[Angry Onion]

I've just uploaded a gallery of photos from an AIS race I attended in 1993:
http://wildhirt.com/photos/ais93

Hey, Racin Gardner is in there!

[Angry Onion]

That is exactly what I am saying - also that I like to research and chronicle these sorts of series, rather than be the 1000 person doing something on F1

[Rob Semmeling]

I'd like to revive this thread to see if anyone is interested in helping to compile a complete record of the American Indycar Series and the United States Speedway Series.

I have put together a pdf-file which lists all races and results of the AIS and USSS that I could find. I think this gives a pretty good overview of these two series, but there is still a lot missing and it would be nice to have a complete picture.

You can download the pdf-file from my website (32 pages, 363 kb 45 pages, 0.4 mb):

Edit Jan 3, 2012: please see my post further below for a new link!

Edited by Rob Semmeling, 03 January 2012 - 11:16.

[Allen Brown]

Yes, it's something I'm definitely interested in (even though it's well down my list of priorities at the moment).

On Track probably contains most of the results of the early seasons but I only have On Track up to the end of 1988 so I guess I'm not going to be much help!

(EDIT: Actually Chris Townsend's On Track but currently in my garage)

Edited by Allen Brown, 21 March 2011 - 14:38.

[E1pix]

Yes, it's something I'm definitely interested in (even though it's well down my list of priorities at the moment).

On Track probably contains most of the results of the early seasons but I only have On Track up to the end of 1988 so I guess I'm not going to be much help!

(EDIT: Actually Chris Townsend's On Track but currently in my garage)

Hey, this is a cool thread! I thought Bill Tempero showed much bravado in creating this series, a seemingly natural formula to use outdated and otherwise not-too-useful Indy Cars — and what we'd all hoped would become a replacement for F5000. As with many examples of this type of brainstorm, money is likely the one thing they needed most, and lacked. That considered, they made a real go of it and it outlasted many similar ideas, including races in Canada and Mexico.

I know Bill Tempero and his daughter fairly well, and I did some graphics, photography, writing, and ads for the series in 1991, lettered a couple of the cars then, and also covered a race for OT.

If you guys need some documentary photos of a few races, PM me and perhaps I can help a bit.

Thanks for the drive through Memory Lane.

[fbarrett]

Ten years from now, TNFers may be discussing the series that started in 2012, after the IRL made all their 2011 cars obsolete...

Frank

[E1pix]

Ten years from now, TNFers may be discussing the series that started in 2012, after the IRL made all their 2011 cars obsolete...

Frank

Opportunity.....?

[Rob Semmeling]

On Track probably contains most of the results of the early seasons but I only have On Track up to the end of 1988 so I guess I'm not going to be much help!

Allen, there are several question marks and gaps for 1988 as well, so if you could have a look in your/Chris's magazines, that would be great!

[Rob Semmeling]

The pdf-file that documents the American Indycar Series and USSS is still available from my website, but the URL has changed:

http://www.wegcircuits.nl/AIS.html

I recently reworked the file slightly to make it look a little better, but apart from a few minor additions no new results were actually added. Is there anyone who can add anything, perhaps from "On Track" magazine ?

[E1pix]

The pdf-file that documents the American Indycar Series and USSS is still available from my website, but the URL has changed:

http://www.wegcircuits.nl/AIS.html

I recently reworked the file slightly to make it look a little better, but apart from a few minor additions no new results were actually added. Is there anyone who can add anything, perhaps from "On Track" magazine ?

I might be able to help, though I am up to my eyeballs. What are you looking for?

Nice job on your pdf, has Bill Tempero seen this?

[Francois78]

Happy 2012 !

I was at Shangri-la oval track in 1990 for AIS race as spectator . We have done some video tapes during this evening . I'll try to post some "freeze pîcs" here when I'll recover them .

[Rob Semmeling]

I might be able to help, though I am up to my eyeballs. What are you looking for?

Nice job on your pdf, has Bill Tempero seen this?

E1pix, I'm looking for any additional results or other info that will help to make the file more complete. It currently gives a good idea of what the AIS was about but there are countless gaps and question marks. I am not familiar with "On Track" magazine, but if there are race reports in there they'd be helpful I'm sure.

I don't know if Bill Tempero has seen the file. If anyone knows him it would be great to get his feedback.

@Francois78: sounds interesting!

[Rob Semmeling]

I have just completed a major update of my American IndyCar Series file. The list of races, pole sitters and winners for the first four seasons (1988-1991) is now complete. Also added entry lists for 1992 and 1995, the full final point standings for 1991, and a few minor updates and corrections here and there.

Download the 51-page pdf-file from: http://www.wegcircuits.nl/AIS.html.

Edited by Rob Semmeling, 18 April 2012 - 09:35.

[Michael Ferner]

Nice work, Rob!

A few quick-n-dirty notes:

- 1988 final standings: the name should be John Eskuri

- 1989 rookie of the year Richard Griffin: is that "The Gas Man" from New Mexico???


- 1989: the name's Nicolò Marozzo, I think

Also, I think it's Jaques Lazier, rather than Jacques.

[Rob Semmeling]

Thanks, Michael. These mistakes are now fixed, although Nicola Marozzo is correct.

[GBarclay]

Thanks, Michael. These mistakes are now fixed, although Nicola Marozzo is correct.

Rob

I printed your pdf, and gave it to Bill Tempero to review about 6 weeks ago. I have not seen him since, but will try to stop past his place and see if he has had time to review your work.

I for one, appreciate all the effort you put into this

regards


Grant Barclay

[Rob Semmeling]

Thanks Grant, that's great! Hope Bill appreciates it too. I think he deserves more credit for setting up this interesting series than he often receives.

Obviously the new version I uploaded today is much more complete for the 1988-1991 period.

[Rob Semmeling]

I meant to ask earlier: in the 1991 final point standings, there is a Jacques Villeneuve (36th with 7 points). Does anyone know which of the two that would be ?

[Michael Ferner]

L'oncle.

[E1pix]

E1pix, I'm looking for any additional results or other info that will help to make the file more complete. It currently gives a good idea of what the AIS was about but there are countless gaps and question marks. I am not familiar with "On Track" magazine, but if there are race reports in there they'd be helpful I'm sure.

I don't know if Bill Tempero has seen the file. If anyone knows him it would be great to get his feedback.

Rob, I somehow overlooked your reply... Sincere Apologies! Wonderful, wonderful work!

I'm still overwhelmed with many things, but do intend to scan my AIS files asap. I also have their logo if you need it, as I designed some posters and other stuff (and Press Releases) for them (Edit: I looked, it's all poorly "archived" on media I can't access anymore... but could scan a poster). I don't think Bill would mind at all but we should ask him. I also need to scan the article I did for On Track regarding the '88 Mead round.

One thing I did notice, and I could ask him... I thought Bob Schader was on pole for the first round in '88...

Great efforts, totally admirable undertaking.


GBarclay... we must be neighbors.

[Rob Semmeling]

Michael: I suspected it must have been l'Oncle, as petit Jacques was away doing Italian F3 that year.

E1pix: any contributions are of course very much appreciated!

The new info is mostly from the 1992 official AIS programme, which is a surprisingly informative and comprehensive booklet that also lists the pole sitters and winners of all races through 1991. According to the list, Buddy Lazier was on pole for the AIS inaugural race in 1988.

[Fabrizio T.]

Hi from Italy,looking for photo or video's of AIS American Indycar Series,Thanks Fabrizio.

[Fabrizio T.]

These races have television coverage?I search race program,yearbook and memorabilia ,any information are appreciate,please contact at my e mail address:fatasso@aliceposta.it

[Rob Semmeling]

Over the past few weeks I have been able to substantially enhance my AIS records, thanks to the generous help of Steve Peterson from Colorado. The new additions are for the 1988-1995 time period and include new race results and more complete final points standings. There is still quite a lot missing and unclear, especially for later years, but to quote the Beatles: "it's getting better."

The AIS file is available for download from my website.

[Michael Ferner]

Hawkeye Downs, May 21, 1989:

 

Race 1 (2:00 pm)

100 * 0.5m PO

 

1 Robby Unser

2 Bill Scott

3 Pepe Romero

4 Richard Griffin

5 Bob Tankersley

6 Richard de Lorto

7 Greg Gorden

8 Kenji Momota

9 Danny Thiel

10 Steve Ternoey

11 Bill Tempero, spin

12 William Hansen

NS Rick Bussell, clutch

 

Race 2 (4:00 pm)

100 * 0.5m PO

 

1 Robby Unser

2 Bill Scott

3 Kenji Momota

4 Richard de Lorto

5 Richard Griffin

6 Bob Tankersley

7 Steve Ternoey

8 William Hansen

9 Pepe Romero

10 Greg Gorden

11 Danny Thiel

12 Bill Tempero, engine

NS Rick Bussell, clutch

 

source: Cedar Rapids Gazette, May 22, 1989

 

Qualifying (May 20):

 

Race 1:

 

1 Tempero, 17.33" (103.87 mph)

2 Unser, 101.69 mph

3 Scott

4 Momota (Tempero team)

 

Race 2:

 

1 Tempero, 17.54" (102.62 mph)

2 Scott (March/Chevrolet)

3 Unser, 101.12 mph

4 Momota, 101.07 mph

 

source: Cedar Rapids Gazette, May 21, 1989