Kelley Racing reunites Ray and Knapp.

The driver/engineer combination that took the 1999 Indy Racing League crown will once again work together in 2002 with the news that Kelley Racing had hired engineer Thomas Knapp to work with the team's new signing Greg Ray in an all out bid to capture the 2002 Indy Racing League crown.

Thomas Knapp has joined Kelley Racing as engineer for 1999 Indy Racing League champion Greg Ray, reuniting one of the most potent driver-engineer pairings seen in the series' seven year history.

Ray and Knapp have combined to win four Indy Racing League events and 10 MBNA Poles since they entered the league together with the underfunded Thomas Knapp Motorsports team in 1997.

Ray and Knapp earned their wins and poles during their tenure together at Team Menard from 1999-2000, including the 1999 series championship and the pole at the 2000 Indianapolis 500.

"The combination of Greg Ray and Thomas Knapp has proven to be successful time and again," said Jim Freudenberg, Kelley Racing general manager. "We're excited they both have come on board with Kelley Racing."

Ray joined Kelley Racing after the 2001 season, becoming a teammate to 1996 Indy Racing League co-champion Scott Sharp after parting company with Menard mid-way through the year.

"Greg and I have had some very frank conversations about where we are and what we need to do to accomplish Jim (Kelley) and Tom's (Kelley) goals for the team, including the 2002 championship," Knapp said. "Our history of working together spans quite a few years, and having that to draw on will definitely expedite the team's success."

Kelley Racing will participate in the Indy Racing League Test in the West from February 5th 9th at California Speedway in Fontana, and the Phoenix International Raceway.