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©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. Walker Racing completed its scheduled test at Homestead a bit earlier thanexpected this week. Originally scheduled for December 8-10, Walker'sHomestead objective was to have a full oval test session, with Gil de Ferrandoing work for Goodyear and Naoki Hattori getting his first taste on an ovalin a champ car. Unfortunately, Goodyear's portion of the test had to bepostponed, as De Ferran did not drive due to a sprained wrist sustained in aminor bicycle mishap. However, the change of plans put the spotlight squarelyon Hattori, who was able to gain more valuable track time on Tuesday andWednesday. Hattori posted a best lap time of 26.0 seconds around the 1.5-mileoval at an average speed of 207 mph and logged just over 470 miles in totalfor the two-day test. Derrick Walker Quote: "It was unfortunate that we were not able to testsome of Goodyear's latest development tires this week; however, Gil expects tobe fit and fully ready to go testing in the new year. Homestead wasbeneficial from the standpoint that we were able to devote all of ourresources to Naoki's Champ car development." Rob Edwards, Team Manger, Quote: "We had a good two days running Naoki,continuing to give him a good number of miles in preparation for his firstChamp car season. The preparation we're doing now, along with getting himcomfortable with the team, will be an important foundation for the season.Naoki is developing a good chemistry with the team engineers and mechanics." Naoki Hattori Quote: "This was my first oval experience with the Champcar, and I was surprised at how the car felt. It was more comfortable todrive than the Lights car, probably due to the bigger tires and increaseddownforce. I appreciated being able to learn from Gil's experience. He gaveme good information about how to drive: being smooth and finding the linearound the race track." Walker Racing resumes its testing schedule after the holidays in Sebring,January 11-13, with extensive Goodyear development work planned. Source: Walker Racing | ||
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