Irvan, Yates To Part Ways Ernie

Irvan, who made one of auto racing’s great comebacks after he was nearly killed in a crash three years ago, won’t be driving for Robert Yates after this season.

Yates, owner of Robert Yates Racing, said he is not renewing Irvan’s contract, and the decision is his alone.

“There comes a time in many relationships when the best course for the continued success of all parties is to follow separate paths,” Irvan said.

The 38-year-old driver said he will announce his plans for 1998 “in the near future.”

Tony Furr, crew chief for Pepsi 400 winner John Andretti, was fined $50,000 before that race when NASCAR inspectors found an illegal carburetor mounting.

Buzz Calkins blew an engine and hit a wall while testing at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H., breaking an ankle and suffering a mild head injury, the track said.

Calkins, the IRL co-champion last year, was awake and alert, but was being kept overnight for observation at Concord Hospital, said Mike Olinger, assistant medical director for the Indy Racing League.