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| Racin Gardner | |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  American |
| Born | (1972-02-25)25 February 1972 (age 53) Buellton, California, United States |
Slick Racin Gardner[1] (born February 25, 1972, inBuellton, California), is a former professionalracing driver who most notably raced in the1996Indianapolis 500 forSimon/Team Scandia.
Previously, Gardner tested theGreen Monster land speed car at Bonneville for four years, becoming the youngest driver ever to top 500 mph in 1988 at the age of sixteen. He drove off-road vehicles in the High Desert Racing Association from 1991 to 1993, and was eighth in points and the rookie of the year in theAmerican Indycar Series in 1993. After a second year in the series, he tested for theProject Indy team, which was competing in theIndyCar World Series.[2]
Gardner intended to debut in the newIndy Racing League in 1996 atPhoenix. Despite failing to pass his rookie test in the "Test at the West" because of an engine failure, Gardner was entered at the last minute withTempero/Giuffre Racing. However, further mechanical issues in practice left him unable to pass his test and compete. At theIndianapolis 500, he competed forTeam Scandia, qualifying 25th on the second day of qualifiers. He retired after 76 laps with a suspension failure, being credited with a 25th place finish.
After Indy, Gardner would compete in oneARCA Racing Series race, atCharlotte Motor Speedway, finishing eighteenth.[3] After retiring from racing, he became a stunt driver for television and motion pictures.
| Year | Team | Chassis | No. | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | Rank | Points | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Tempero–Giuffre Racing | Lola T92 | 25 | Buick | WDW | PHX Wth | 35th | 10 | [4][5] | |
| Team Scandia | Lola T94 | 90 | Ford | INDY 25 |
| Year | Chassis | Engine | Start | Finish | Team | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Lola | Ford-Cosworth | 25th | 25th | Scandia | [4] |