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CART: Reynard champ cars lead the way at spring training

11 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Miami, Florida--Reynard retained its position as the quickest Champ Car at Spring Training this week, with Team Rahal's Reynard Ford cars, driven by Max Papis and Kenny Brack, taking the top two positions after two day's of testing. Seventeen Reynard Champ Cars were out on track at the one mile oval Homestead Speedway with all this year's teams taking part in the annual pre-season test session prior to the first race which will be held at the track on March 26th.

Max Papis in his Ford Cosworth Reynard posted a 25.76 second lap to record the fastest time over the two days. His team mate, CART rookie Kenny Brack, was close behind with a time of 25.915 seconds. Six of the top ten cars were Reynard, with main rival Lola fighting hard.

John Thompson, Technical Director, Reynard Motorsport, summed up the two day's saying, "We're pleased to see our cars continuing to be competitive and ahead of our rivals. As always, both Reynard and the teams have worked hard over the winter months to build and develop the cars ready for the new season. This all-grid test is the first time that every driver is present, so it's first opportunity to pit our car against all the competition. The Reynard 2KI Champ Car has passed with flying colours this week, but the real test will be in six week's time at the first race. "

He adds, "For Reynard this week has been a busy time. We've had a few gearbox issues, that we are addressing. We've also gained more feedback from the teams running the Reynard chassis and have a clear direction for developments which we will be putting in place for the season ahead. Reynard is proud of it's success in Champ Cars and will be endeavouring to keep winning in 2000."

Text Provided by Alison Hill

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