©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
HILLIARD, Ohio (January 13) — Team owner Steve Horne has confirmed that Tasman Motorsports Groupwill field a single entry in the FedEx Championship Series for 1997 PPG-Firestone Indy Lights championTony Kanaan.
"We have looked at a number of options in terms of a second car program," said Horne, "but we have notbeen able to find the right combination to contribute to the team’s long term goals. We felt thatrunning two rookies would not allow us to maximize either of their skills, and we are going to concentrateour efforts on Tony."
Tasman announced last month that Kanaan was signed to a five-year contract. He will vie for Rookie of theYear honors aboard the #21 LCI Reynard-Honda Champ Car on Firestone tires with additional support from Mitel Semiconductor, Gatorade, MTV, Silicon Graphics, Inc. and Mettler Toledo.
"Our plan is to return to two cars in 1999," Horne continued. "At that stage Tony will be an experienced team leader. Towards that end, we plan to enter a second car in a number of races in the latter half of thisseason. Our goal is to run a young American driver. This development program is a joint effort betweenTasman and Honda, and we appreciate their support in helping us get a head start on 1999."
Tasman's partnership with Honda dates back to 1995, with the team claiming Honda'sinaugural victory in CART competition at New Hampshire International Speedway. As the secondmost-winning team for the engine manufacturer, Tasman has posted four victories over the past three seasons.
"Tasman Motorsports was instrumental in establishing Honda's success in CART racing," saidRobert Clarke, General Manager, Honda Performance Development Inc. "We are pleased to continue ourpartnership with and support of this young and dynamic team. The off-season has been one of flux andchange for Tasman; however, Steve Horne and his organization have shown great courage andresourcefulness. We completely support their plan to focus their efforts on Tony Kanaan, allowing the teamto regain its momentum and Tony to quickly fulfill his promise as a Champ Car driver.
"We very much look forward to working with the team to find and develop a qualified young Americandriver in the second half of the season, in preparation for a full and strong season in 99."
In addition to its CART program, Tasman Motorsports — the series leader in Indy Lights wins and polepositions — will also field a two-car team in the 1998 PPG-Dayton Indy Lights Championship for Cristianoda Matta and Airton Dare.
