Veteran race car team owner Carl Hogan officially unveiled his latest racing team this morning on the opening day of CART Spring Training at the Metro-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex. Hogan Racing LLC will run 1997 Reynard Mercedes-Benz race cars for PPG Cup rookie Dario Franchitti.

"I think you could call it a miracle team," said Hogan of his new venture that has only been in existence for four weeks. "It didn't really come together until after the Christmas holidays, and wasn't officially incorporated until January 3. It was a combination that was to good to pass up: the driving talents of Dario Franchitti, Mercedes engines, Reynard chassis and Firestone tires. The total combination really excites me."

Franchitti, a Mercedes-Benz Touring Car driver for the past two years, shares his new team owners excitement.

"I have always been very lucky in racing with the best teams," Franchitti said. "Carl has a very impressive history in American racing. I plan on making the most of this opportunity."

Although he is three-quarters Italian, Franchitti, a bachelor, was born and raised in Scotland. He carries both Scottish and Italian flags on his helmet. The 23-year-old Franchitti plans to live in Indianapolis where the Hogan team will be temporarily housed in the old Bettenhausen Motorsports shops. The team will eventually move to St. Louis.

Hogan Racing LCC will use a 1996 Reynard Mercedes-Benz C this week while it waits for delivery of two 1997 Reynards. The first one is scheduled for delivery on February 4 while the second arrives one week later.

Former Comptech Racing owner and manager Doug Peterson was also confirmed by Hogan as his new general manager.

Franchitti took his first laps in and Indy car on Monday and Tuesday on the 2.21-mile Homestead road course. His first oval run came was a 20 lap rookie orientation yesterday under the watchful eye of former CART Chief Steward Wally Dallenbach.

"The road course took some getting used to," said Franchitti, who speaks with a Scottish accent.

"The oval will take more getting used to!"

Source: CART News Service