Sharp crashed on the opening lap, and finished last. Team Penske returned to Indy after failing to qualify in 1995 and boycotting the race due to the IRL/CART "split" from 1996 to 2000.
Sharp encountered difficulties early on, finishing at the rear of the pack. Team Penske resumed participation in the Indy event after failing to qualify in 1995 and abstaining from the race from 1996 to 2000 as a result of the IRL/CART split.