rebelracewriter Posted April 30, 2003 Report Share Posted April 30, 2003 Texas Motor Speedway Media Relations, (817) 215-8520 CONTACT: Sarona Winfrey Gary Guehler -- For Immediate Release INDYCAR CHAMPIONS GET READY FOR BOMBARDIER 500 FORT WORTH-DALLAS (April 28, 2003) – Three elite drivers on the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series spent Monday testing at Texas Motor Speedway in preparation for the June 7 Bombardier 500k. With new chassis and engine packages in effect for the season, the day was productive for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, 2001-2002 IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. and 1999 IndyCar Series king Greg Ray. Unofficial lap speeds were 216 mph. “New” was the theme for the day and evening session during the Firestone tire tests. Castroneves put laps on the Marlboro Team Penske Panoz G Force chassis for possible use in “America’s Original Nighttime IndyCar Race.” Hornish debuted the Pedigo Chevrolet paint scheme as he tested the number 98 Dallara for Panther Racing to be raced at Indianapolis by Billy Boat. Greg Ray used the day to help gather information for his new Trim Spa IndyCar team. “We just want to learn a little more about the car,” Castroneves commented on the test after utilizing Dallaras in the season’s first three races. “All of us are trying to understand the setup with the new chassis this year. Sometimes you cannot use information from last year. The engines and chassis have changed. It’s a learning curve.” “Our team hasn’t been to test at any high-banked mile-and-a-half tracks with the new chassis and engine,” said defending series champion Hornish. “We want to see what we have to work with. We are looking for reliability and durability for 500 miles.” “For us, we are using this as our first real test,” said homestate driver Ray. “Now we get to work on shocks, springs and the aero package. We can take a lot of the information we get here for races later this season. For a young and small team, we are happy the way things are going.” Tickets for the Bombardier 500 are available by calling (817) 215-8500, online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or at Ticketmaster locations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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