Andy Michner, is a former driver in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Busch Series. He is the current record holder of the world's fastest Sprint Car race at a United States Auto Club event in Phoenix, Arizona at 136.034 mph 1996. Michner finished twice a runner-up to NASCAR'S Tony Stewart in United States Auto Club competition and has 19 USAC Wins. He passed his Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Program but elected to not qualify for the race 1996 Indianapolis 500. In 1996 & 1997, Michner ran a partial season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as Chevrolet's Development Driver. He then returned to the Indy Car series in 1998 with Konica/Syan Racing and captured his career best finish of eighth place in his first race, the 1998 Indianapolis 500. Michner then signed with Factory Riley&Scott Reebok Indycar Team where Michner led in the closing laps of the 1998 Texas Longhorn 500 but failed to finish due to an engine failure. At Michigan International Speedway in August 1998, it was announced, Michner signed a 3-year contract to drive the Bayer Aleve, Coca-Cola Chevrolet in NASCAR's Busch Series for BACE Motorsports. Michner suffered ultimately career ending injuries in October 1998 while testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway in a NASCAR Busch Series test. He attempted to qualify for the 1999 Indianapolis 500 for Byrd Racing but failed to make the field due to rain. He was named to a Logan Racing entry to two races in 2000 but the car did not appear at either race.

The 80th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 26, 1996. This was the first Indy 500 contested as part of the new Indy Racing League, under the overall sanctioning umbrella of USAC. It was the third and final race of the 1996 IRL season. Veteran driver and former AIS champion Buddy Lazier won the race, his first career victory in top-level Indy car competition. Lazier's victory came just over two months after he suffered a broken back in a crash at Phoenix.