Busy month ahead
Roth fits in wedding ahead of Indy 500
By Tim Harms - indycar.com
Thursday, April 6, 2006

A big week is just the kickoff to a big month for Indy Pro Series™ driver Marty Roth. After finishing 14th and 12th April 1-2 in two races at St. Petersburg, Fla., Roth flew to Indianapolis April 5 for an IndyCar® Series test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Roth is preparing to compete in his third Indianapolis 500 at the end of May. To top off the week, Roth will marry Margaret Disher on April 8.

"It's a busy month to say the least," said Roth, who has finished 24th and 31st, respectively, in the last two Indianapolis 500s. "We're looking forward to a big party on Saturday. Then we'll be heading off to our honeymoon and coming back to do Indy."

Roth, a 47-year-old Toronto native, is a veteran of 33 starts in the Indy Pro Series, but he doesn't get many opportunities to drive his IndyCar Series machine.

"It's great to be back in the IndyCar Series car,” said Roth, who has Honda power in the No. 25 Dallara for the first time. “I love that car. The Honda engine is so sweet. The power is so clean. It comes in and out of the pits - it's not jumping off the ground and burping. It's just so clean and smooth. It's a pleasure. It's like driving a street car out there. It's just smooth and fast."

Roth turned 121 laps on the 2.5-mile oval April 5, the earliest he's ever practiced for the 500. In 2004, Roth purchased the equipment for Roth Racing and practiced most of the month of May. Last year, he didn't finalize his plans until most of the month of May was over. The early preparation this year increases his expectations for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500.

"We're here to win the Indy 500 just like everybody on this block," Roth said. "With the spec engine, this is going to be a fantastic opportunity for a lot of drivers out here. It's certainly reshuffled the deck this year. I';m really looking forward to the 500."

But the 500 will have to wait – at least temporarily. The honeymoon comes first.

"We're going to head off in a sailboat and go sailing around," Roth said. "We haven't done that in a couple of years, and it's one of the things we miss doing. So we're going to head down south to the islands, jump on a sailboat and sail around."

[ Back ]