John de Vries (racing driver) explained

John David de Vries (born 3 April 1966, New South Wales, Australia) is a former driver in the Indy Racing League and Australian Formula Holden. He raced in the 2002 IRL season, where he began the season with Brayton Racing.[1] De Vries competed in the first three races, and arrived but withdrew from the Nazareth Speedway race.[2] He attempted to qualify for the 2002 Indianapolis 500,[3] but was not among the 33 drivers who made the field.[4] He returned after the Indianapolis 500 to compete in the Chevy 500 at Texas Motor Speedway and logged his best career IRL finish, an 11th place, in what would be his final IRL race.[2] Previously, de Vries had spent four years in Formula Holden and the Australian Formula Ford Championship.[1]

De Vries spent his youth in Newport Beach, California.[1] Prior to beginning his racing career, he owned several Subway restaurants in California, the first of which was in Corona del Mar. While in Australia for business reasons, he developed an interest in racing.[5]

Racing record

Career summary

SeasonSeriesPositionCarTeam
1998Australian Drivers' Championship6thReynard 91D Holden
2002Indy Racing League33rdDallara IR2 ChevroletBrayton Racing
PDM Racing

American Open-Wheel

(key)

IndyCar

YearTeam123456789101112131415RankPointsRef
2002Brayton RacingHMS
17
PHX
22
FON
23
NZR
Wth
INDY
DNQ
          33rd53[6]
PDM Racing     TXS
11
PPIR
RIR
KAN
NSH
MIS
KTY
STL
CHI
TX2

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Glick. Shav. 'Pit Bull' Tackles Pitfalls, Pit Stops (page 1). Los Angeles Times. 23 March 2002. 2010-01-30.
  2. Web site: John de Vries Career Stats. Indy Racing League. 2010-01-30.
  3. Web site: Rain, rain go away: Second day of bad weather puts pressure on Indy qualifying. CNN Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. 12 May 2002. 2010-01-30.
  4. Web site: Indianapolis 500 Lineup. CNN Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. 20 May 2002. 2010-01-30.
  5. News: Glick. Shav. 'Pit Bull' Tackles Pitfalls, Pit Stops (page 2). Los Angeles Times. 23 March 2002. 2010-01-30.
  6. Web site: John de Vries – 2002 Indy Racing League Results. Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 6, 2023.