While teaming with Alex Zanardi from 1996 through 1998, CART's Jimmy Vasser displayed consistency, speed, smarts and talent, creating one of the most dominating teams in the history of sports. The two were almost unbeatable as teammates. Vasser claimed the PPG Cup in 1996, then finished third in 1997 and second in 1998 during Zanardi's two championship seasons.

One of CART's respected veterans, Vasser, 34, was born in Canoga Park, Calif. He began racing quarter-midgets at age six, and grew up watching father Jim's drag racing competitions (father and son now operate a Southern California car dealership).

Vasser has eight victories since joining Target/Chip Ganassi Racing in 1995. From 1996-1998, he scored points in 44 of 52 races. He also led all CART drivers in races completed in 1996 (16) and 1997 (15) and finished all but three races in 1998. Entering the 1999 season, his career earnings topped $8.6 million.

This year Vasser's mentoring a new teammate, rookie sensation Juan Montoya of Colombia, as Team Ganassi pursues an unprecedented fourth consecutive CART title.