Friday, November 10, 2006

More IRL testing at Daytona... how long before a race is announced?

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 10, 2006) – IndyCar Series officials announced today that the League will conduct preseason testing for the first time at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2007.

In late September, the IndyCar Series completed a successful compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway, featuring past series champions Sam Hornish Jr. (2001, ’02, ’06), Scott Dixon (’03), Tony Kanaan (’04) and Dan Wheldon (’05) and Vitor Meira. The visit allowed IndyCar Series officials to determine the possibility of DIS serving as a preseason testing venue.

Series officials were able to see transitions onto the banking, tire wear/side loads and braking zones while looking for any challenging surface areas on the track. The test took place on the 2.73-mile tri-oval and road course, which included 10 turns.

“Expanding our preseason testing schedule to include Daytona International Speedway is good for both fans and teams,” said John Lewis, vice president of league development for the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series and the Indy Pro Series. “The feedback coming out of the test from our drivers and teams, Firestone, Honda and Ethanol was very positive and supportive of the IndyCar Series pursuing Daytona as a test venue.”

“We are very excited to be able to host pre-season testing for the IndyCar Series here at Daytona,” said Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. “Bringing another motorsports sanctioning body to Daytona further solidifies us as the World Center of Racing.’ We look forward to welcoming the stars and fans of the IndyCar Series.”
The tentative schedule for pre-season testing is as follows:

Daytona International Speedway
Jan. 30 – Load-in/Set-up Day
Jan. 31 – IndyCar Series Testing (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Feb. 1 – IndyCar Series Testing (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The complete in-season Open Test schedule will be announced in the future.

- From DIS

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