CART: Gugelmin and Scott Dixon complete two days of testing at Homestead

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

(Homestead, FL) – PacWest Racing’s Mauricio Gugelmin and Scott Dixon completed two days of testing Thursday on the 1.502-mile oval at the Homestead Motorsports Complex in Florida.

Wednesday brought limited running time for the PacWest team as Mauricio ran approximately 35 trouble-free miles, while Dixon put in approximately 47 miles in his 2001 Toyota Reynard. The majority of the afternoon was spent working on pit-stop practice after the day was cut short by an accident involving Gil de Ferran.

On Thursday, Gugelmin logged 127 miles in the #17 Nextel PacWest Toyota and clocked a quick time of 26.7 seconds. Dixon, on the other hand, was able to run 170 laps, with his quickest time of 27.1 seconds coming in the morning when track temperatures were still relatively cool.

Next up for the PacWest team is a two-day test in Sebring, Florida on February 7th and 8th.

MAURICIO GUGELMIN - #17 NEXTEL PACWEST TOYOTA

“Our test actually went pretty well,” said Gugelmin. “We were able to run a lot of miles and learn even more about this car. My quick time was comparable to Vasser’s, and of the five or six cars on the track Thursday we were one of the quickest. The set-up of my car has been excellent, and there were no negatives that came out of this test. “

SCOTT DIXON - #18 PACWEST TOYOTA

“Every time we test I learn quite a bit more about the Toyota Reynard,” said Dixon. “The test went well and I’m very pleased with my progress. The crew continues to work extremely hard in helping me get comfortable in the car.”

RUSSELL CAMERON – PACWEST DIRECTOR OF RACE OPERATIONS

“While this wasn’t the most productive test we’ve ever had, we were still able to gather some quality information over the course of the two-day test,” said Cameron. “It was unfortunate that there was limited track time on Wednesday, but on the other hand, we took that opportunity to work on our pit stops, which we hope to improve on this season.”

Text Provided By Jodi Graffio

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