CART: Gugelmin rained out on last day of winter testing

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

(Phoenix, AZ) – Mauricio Gugelmin’s final testing day prior to the start of the 2001 FedEx Championship Series opener was rained out as foul weather hit Phoenix for the second consecutive day.

Gugelmin, driver of the #17 Nextel PacWest Toyota, completed 80 laps on the 1-mile PIR oval Tuesday, but was unable to test on Wednesday, as a downpour saturated the track and cancelled the day’s session.

MAURICIO GUGELMIN - # 17 NEXTEL PACWEST TOYOTA

“ It is unfortunate that we could not run today because we really wanted one more day in the car prior to Mexico to do some last minute fine-tuning,” said Gugelmin. “I am pleased, however, that our off-season testing program has been so successful and we’ve been able to generate a lot of information on the car that will be carried over to the season. My crew has worked very hard all winter to give me the best possible car, and, like I’ve said before, I think we are right where we need to be heading into the season. With our new package for 2001, we are optimistic that PacWest can return to our winning ways and remain competitive at every circuit this season. I’m ready to go.”

RUSSELL CAMERON – PACWEST DIRECTOR OR RACE OPERATIONS

“We developed a very specific plan after Fontana last year to test this winter at venues where we felt we needed some additional improvement, and that’s what we did,” said Cameron. “Our engineers worked continuously on developing testing programs that enabled us to work through various components on the car, and our approach all winter was to stick to that program and learn about the pieces. We didn’t always set out to try and generate the best lap times; rather we wanted to learn the car since we will be running a different package for 2001. The Toyota powerplant has proved successful for us, and the reliability of the engine has allowed us to work through our testing programs without delays – which is always a plus. I can say that after 20-odd-days of running, we are pleased with our results, and the entire PacWest team has worked very hard to make it all happen. It’s been a very busy winter with building five new cars, testing, rebuilding pit equipment, hiring and tr! aining new crew members, etc., and I think it’s all going to pay off for us this season. I’m really looking forward to Mexico and seeing the fruits of our labor pay off.”

Text Provided By Tom Hollett

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