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IRL: Blueprint Racing warms up at Disney World

28 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
BUENA VISTA, FL- Blueprint Racing Enterprises and driver Niclas Jonsson put up some hot laps at Walt Disney World Speedway in the American Hotel Register Company/ ZMax/ Blueprint G Force Aurora despite cool track temperatures. The temperatures, hovering in the 50s, postponed the daily activities nearly an hour.

When the temperatures warmed enough to allow the American Hotel Register Company entry on to the track the teams primary objective was to compile laps. "We had to treat this like a test session at first," said the rookie driver, "because we havent had a chance to test the new engine combination. Now, I feel much more comfortable about going into tomorrow."

The #27 team followed its strategy in the two practice sessions. The first session was schedule to give Jonsson his first laps around the tricky Disney Speedway. The second session, planned to be the quicker of the two, saw the Brad McCanless-led team moving speeds up. After session two, the Swedish driver commented, "I feel positive going into tomorrow (qualifying). The car is comfortable at speed. Were working on the race pace right now. I can run with this setup all day and I think that will work for us in the race."

At the end of the day Jonsson had turned a quick lap of 22.859 seconds (157.487 mph). The time compared favorably to the fast time of the day set by Stephane Gregoire at 21.266 seconds (169.284 mph).

Keith Sanders, Blueprint Racing Enterprises co-owner, is optimistic about the newly assembled team. "Weve got a well prepared car and the crew is up to speed now. So we have a good feeling going into the rest of the weekend. It is great to have our own team together. We have American Hotel Register Company onboard and they are very excited about the relationship and about Nic. We are ready to go."

American Hotel Register Company, of Vernon Hills, Illinois, is the leading supplier of hotel and institutional products in the United States. Their massive catalog includes all the supplies a hotel, hospital or similar businesses would require from bedding, towels and cleaning supplies to televisions and furniture.

The company, which has been family-owned for four generations, is enjoying its first foray into motorsports.

Qualifying for the Delphi Indy 200 at Walt Disney World Speedway is schedule for tomorrow, Friday, January 28, at 12:30 pm (EST). The American Hotel Register Company/ZMax entry has drawn ninth in the qualifying order. Qualifying will be shown live on ESPN2.

The Delphi Indy 200 will be broadcast live on ABC Sports, at noon on Saturday, January 29.

Text provided by Tom Moore

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.