CART: PacWest and Dixon Continue Preparing for Season Opener

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

(Chandler, AZ)--Driver Scott Dixon and PacWest Racing Group began a two-day test on February 26, at Firebird Raceway. Dixon, driving the team’s new Toyota Reynard combination, logged approximately 185 miles and consistently lapped the 1.2-mile facility in the low 47-second range.

Monday saw scattered showers, which limited on-track time for Dixon and PacWest as well as for Team Player’s driver Patrick Carpentier and Target Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Bruno Junqueira and Nicolas Minassian, who also ran in the low 47-second range. PacWest Racing Group spent the end of the day conducting pit stop practice. The team completed approximately 40 pit stops in preparation for the opening round of the CART FedEx Championship Series on March 11, in Monterrey, Mexico. PacWest will run Dixon again on Tuesday at Firebird, while teammate Mauricio Gugelmin returns to testing at Phoenix International Raceway to continue preparing for the season opener next week.

SCOTT DIXON - # 18 PACWEST TOYOTA

“Considering the limited track time, we had a pretty good test today,” said Dixon. “I’m happy with the crew and the car and feel extremely competitive going into Mexico next week. We also worked very hard on pit stop practice today, which went very well. My times are quick, which gives me a lot of confidence as we conclude off-season testing.”

RUSSELL CAMERON – PACWEST DIRECTOR OF RACE OPERATIONS

“Today’s session went very well, and hopefully if the weather holds up tomorrow, we’ll have more track time,” said Cameron. “Scott ran in the low 47’s and was right there competitively with Carpentier, Junqueira and Minassian. I’m proud of the team working so hard on the car as well as on their pit stops. We’re happy with the consistency of the Toyota Reynard, and we’ve accomplished a lot going into the start of the season.”

Text Provided By Jodi Graffio

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