©1999 SpeedCenter Publishing
Photo by Mike Levitt
Target/Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Jimmy Vasser and Juan Montoya concluded their successful March 2-4 tests at the Miami-Dade Motorsports Complex, site of the March 21 CART season opener.
"Once we started racing with the other guys on the track, it felt like the real thing," said Montoya, the 1998 European Formula 3000 champion. "I had to keep reminding myself that this was just a test and to take it easy. I can't wait until raceday."
Team Target crew chief Robin Hill said he knew Montoya was excited, but felt the CART rookie kept his composure on the track and drove well.
"The sign of a good rookie is one who keeps improving every time out on the track," Hill said, "Juan has definitely done that. He's getting to know his car and he's getting more and more comfortable on the ovals."
Montoya, who tested alongside past PPG Cup champions Vasser and Michael Andretti, worked on driving with varying amounts of fuel, practiced pit stops and drove more than 200 miles.
"Juan isn't intimidated by anyone," said Vasser, who also worked on pit stops and logged nearly 200 miles at Homestead, where he was victorious in 1996. "I'm glad he's on our team. He's going to be a great addition."
Team Manager Mike Hull said was happy with the tests and is confident in his team with less than three weeks until the first race.
"l like what I'm seeing out on the track from both Juan and Jimmy," Hull said. "The cars are performing up to, and in many cases, beyond our expectations so we're all anxious to give them a real test - in a race."
The 1999 CART FedEx Championship Series kicks off with the Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami on March 21.
Source: Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
