21.   Hakkinen, the defending series champion, starts second.

22.   Michael Schumacher, the defending series champion and points leader, was not injured.

23.   Still, despite a half-dozen incidents of just plain bad luck that have kept the two-time defending series title-holder from winning the big one, Earnhardt remains optimistic.

24.   Unser, the defending series champion, lost what had appeared a runaway win when IndyCar officials determined that his Penske-Mercedes did not meet official standards.

25.   Unser, the defending series champion, can win the title only if he finishes first or second and leads the most laps.

26.   Villeneuve, the defending series champion, announced in July he was moving from Williams to British American Racing to team with old friend Pollock.

27.   Unser, the defending series champion, claimed his third victory of the season in the penultimate race to keep his chances of catching Villeneuve alive.

28.   Mansell, the defending series champion, is looking for his first victory this year.