Pollard looks to Indy future with Hardley.

Thirty years ago, Brad Pollard watched his cousin, Art, race in the Indianapolis 500, and a dream of competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was born.

Pollard's dream comes one step closer to reality in 2004, when he drives for Kenn Hardley Racing in the IRL-supporting Menards Infiniti Pro Series. Pollard, who captured the 2002 SCCA Formula Mazda National Division Championship by winning 14 of 21 races, debuted in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series with two races last year, but now gears up for a full campaign as he hopes to earn a graduation to the IRL.

"Brad is a quality individual that brings a tremendous amount of talent and personality to our team," team owner Hardley said, "With XBOX as our primary marketing partner, we're excited about the upcoming Menards Infiniti Pro Series."

A new driver/owner combination inevitably means a feeling-out process as each entity learns to work with each other, and this was evident at the two pre-season Open Tests at Homestead and Phoenix.

"We had a real conservative approach, getting me used to the team, the car and Homestead," Pollard said after the first session, "We went quicker and quicker as the day went along and got ourselves to a point where I think we are comfortable with the race set-up."

Two weeks later, the team turned more laps - totalling 224 - than any other in Phoenix.

"On the last session of the day, Dave Conti and Mark Olson gave me a set-up that felt like a familiar pair of shoes, and we were fast," Pollard said, "All I know is I could point that car in any direction, keep my right foot in it and know exactly what the car was going to do.

"I am very excited about this opportunity to drive for Kenn Hardley Racing. It's great to be a part of this series and I look forward to working with the fine team that Kenn has assembled. I appreciate their confidence in me and will try my best to represent the team and the series well."

Hardley, a corporate sponsor in the IndyCar Series several years ago, is back for his second season as a team owner in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series. He teamed with Paul Dana for eight races and Billy Roe for four races last year, with Roe recording the team's best result with a fifth-place finish at California Speedway.