June 12, 2006: Mark C. Lowrey turned his first laps in an open wheel car last week at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP). As part of a test with Indiana's BWB Racing, Lowrey was able to gain valuable experience behind the wheel of both a USAC Sprint Car and a PRA Big Car (former USAC Silver Crown pavement car).

Lowrey was excited after the test. "I have watched these cars for a while now, and feel that some of the best drivers in the country drive these machines." Although this was Lowrey's first time piloting an open wheel car, he was able to adapt very quickly to the light-weight, high horsepower vehicle. "These cars have over 800hp and only weigh between 1200 and 1300lbs, depending on the fuel load. How could I not love driving one of these monsters", said Lowrey. "It was a great experience, and I look forward to the day when I get to compete with the drivers I have so much respect for."

Lowrey, who has been busy turning laps as an instructor at the Buck Baker Racing School was pleased with how his superspeedway experience transferred to the quick IRP half mile track. "Being an instructor at the Buck Baker Racing School has helped me log a ton of laps at some of the best Cup tracks." According to Lowrey, "driving up close to the wall at a technical track like Darlington has helped me become comfortable running a car that moves around a lot in small amount of space." Additionally Lowrey attributes his ability to adapt quickly to new cars and tracks to his superspeedway experience. "I've been fortunate to have driven various cars at fast tracks like Atlanta, Daytona and Lowe's Motor Speedway. Driving several different cars and setups helps me adapt quickly when I go to new places like IRP."

With a successful test under his belt, Lowrey will be keeping his options open for the rest of the season. The test with BWB Racing saw several different people in attendance, including other team owners and representatives from various racing series. Lowrey was optimistic about the results, but not ready to make an exact commitment as to what it all means. "The test went great, and I am keeping all of my options open. It would be great to get involved with USAC or the IRL, but I am also keeping my options open for NASCAR."

Lowrey continues to keep busy, balancing his time between racing and logging laps with the Buck Baker Racing School. "I have no complaints with being busy or being in a racecar. I want to be behind the wheel as much as possible. We are actively looking to the open wheel divisions, but we are also still working extremely hard on the stock car side of things." Lowrey's next stock car ride will come when he runs a couple more Pro Truck races later this season with the Parker Racing Team.

In the meantime, staying busy is what Lowrey plans to do. "I want to be in a racecar as often as I can. It's the best way for me to stay sharp and competitive. And I love it!"