| [ News Index ][ SpeedCenter Homepage ][ Copyright Info ][ SpeedCenter Galleries ] |
©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. Team KOOL Green completed two days oftesting at Michigan Speedway on June 25 and 26 in preparation for the U.S.500 on July 26. Drivers Dario Franchitti and Paul Tracy ran a total ofmore than 750 miles during the course of the test, with Franchitti toppingthe 221 mph mark and Tracy posting a best a best lap of 222.18 mph. Thursday (June 25) saw Tracy run a variety of chassis and aerodynamicset-ups, and turn a lap of 221.7 mph on light fuel load. Later, he ranconsistently in the 219-220 mph range on full tanks while Franchitti lappedat 218 mph before the track closed for the day when one of the other carsparticipating in the test experienced an engine failure. "The test was extremely successful," said chief engineer Don Halliday. "Welearned a tremendous amount. Paul shined throughout the test, running awide range of settings in race and qualifying conditions, while Dario drovelike a veteran despite the fact that this was only his second experience ona super speedway. Initially his speed wasn't what he wanted, but he justkept going round and round very patiently, and eventually matched Paul'sspeeds. It was a very impressive performance by the whole team and I'mconfident when we come back here for the race we'll unload with a goodset-up." The test was the first experience for both Franchitti and Tracy with thenew "Handford" rear wing developed by CART and aerodynamicist MarkHandford. The wing, which produces more drag and less downforce thanconventional rear wings, was designed to reduce lap speeds at Michigan andCalifornia Speedways. Scott Pruett won the pole position for the 1997 U.S.500 with an average speed of 233.857 mph while Mauricio Gugelmin set aworld record when he qualified at 240.942 mph at California Speedway lastyear. "With the new wing it's pretty easy to run at full throttle when you're theonly one on the track," said Tracy. "The big challenge will be getting thecar comfortable in traffic race conditions." "This aerodynamic package may make for a very unusual race," said Halliday. "Paul and Dario both say they can feel their cars being sucked along inthe draft created by the wing from a couple of hundred feet behind the carin front. On the other hand, the turbulence created by the wing will makeovertaking difficult. So you could see a race with a lot of drafting butpassing could be a problem." Team KOOL Green will continue its testing program this week with Tracy andFranchitti slated to run two days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, June 30and July 1. Source: Team KOOL Green | ||
| |||