For 2002, Lazier returned with Hemelgarn Racing to drive the No. 91 Dallara IR02-Chevrolet. At the season-opening Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead, Lazier started in 16th place and finished in 22nd place due to an oil pressure problem after completing 111 laps. At the following race, the Bombardier ATV 200 at Phoenix, Lazier started in 9th place and finished in 7th place. At the Yamaha Indy 400 at California Speedway, Lazier started in 26th place and again finished in 7th place. At the next race, the Firestone Indy 225 at Nazareth, Lazier started in 6th place and was involved in a crash with Sam Hornish Jr. – who continued several laps down – on lap 38 in turn 3 and was scored in 23rd place. At the Indianapolis 500, Lazier qualified in 20th place. In the race, Lazier began to move into the top 10 and with 12 laps remaining Lazier was running in 6th place, on the lead lap. On lap 199 in turn 2 the lapped car of Laurent Rédon lost control and collected Lazier. At the same time Paul Tracy was attempting to pass Hélio Castroneves for the lead in turn 3. Tracy passed Castroneves just after the crash and was the first car to cross the finish line. Indy Racing League officials declared that the pass occurred after the crash and Castroneves was the winner. Tracy's team, Team Green, protested by saying that the caution light was not displayed until after the pass occurred. The original results stood with Lazier finishing in 15th place.