INDY LIGHTS: PacWest Lights Test Solo at Gingerman

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 15, 2001

(South Haven, MI) - PacWest Lights drivers Dan Wheldon and Mario Dominguez continued their mid-season testing schedule Wednesday, with a one-day test at the GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan. PacWest was the only Lights team representing the series on the 1.88-mile road course, as today marked another good day of fact gathering for the two-car team.

"We had to share track time with a few Trans Am Series cars today, but we really never experienced any traffic related issues," said Paul 'Ziggy' Harcus, PacWest Lights Team Manager. "It's always nice to test with other teams so we can judge where we are, but it's also nice on occasion to run alone. We took this opportunity to try a few things on our cars and really get a good idea as to where we stand heading into Portland. I'm happy with our progress and this test, along with our Mid-Ohio test after Milwaukee, confirmed that we are heading in the right direction and taking the steps necessary to win races."

Wheldon, who is currently fourth in championship points with 44, completed approximately 200 miles in his #1 Gemstar PacWest Lights machine while posting a quick time of 1:10.89 seconds. Wheldon is currently leading the Rookie of the Year battle by four points over Kristian Kolby. Mario Dominguez, driver of the #17 del Valle Corona Televisa PacWest Lights entry, also enjoyed a productive day at the track. His efforts resulted in another 200 solid testing miles, and his quick time for the day registered a 1:11.10 second lap. Dominguez is currently third in the championship with 49 points.

Eight races remain on the 2001 Dayton Indy Lights schedule.

DAN WHELDON - #1 GEMSTAR PACWEST LIGHTS: 1:10.89s

"Overall I'm please with the testing we've been doing since Milwaukee," said Wheldon. "We were quickest at Mid-Ohio last week, and really worked on refining our road course set-up today. This is the time in the season where we need to start winning races, and today's results put us on the right path to do just that. I'm looking forward to going to Portland. I'm hungry for a victory."

MARIO DOMINGUEZ - #17 DEL VALLE CORONA TELEVISA PACWEST LIGHTS: 1:11.10s

"Today was a good day for the team, and we were able to complete a lot of miles," said Dominguez. "I didn't experience any problems with my car, and we came away from the test with a set-up for Portland that should keep us in the hunt. It was nice being the only team testing because we could relax, concentrate on the task at hand, and not worry about what the other teams are doing. I think we came away with positive results which we can carry-over to our race next week in Portland."

Text provided by Tom Hollett

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