IRL: Giaffone Phoenix Saturday

FELIPE GIAFFONE

#21 Hollywood/Mo Nunn Racing Chevrolet G-Force
IRL Test in the West - Test Day 2 of 2 - Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002
Phoenix International Raceway - Phoenix, Ariz. - 1-Mile Oval

Felipe Giaffone and the #21 Hollywood/Mo Nunn Racing Chevrolet G-Force
wrapped up the two-day test session at Phoenix International Raceway to
conclude this year's Indy Racing League Test in the West.  He remained in
the top-five during this morning's run, and moved into the top-three this
afternoon despite gearbox problems that cut short his day.

Giaffone, the IRL's 2001 Rookie of the Year, had a fast lap of 20.272
seconds (177.585 mph) this morning to start the day.  It was the
fifth-fastest lap of the session behind defending series champion Sam
Hornish (20.0965/179.146), Helio Castroneves (20.1039/179.070), Gil de
Ferran (20.1369/178.776), and Tomas Scheckter (20.2569/177.717).

In the afternoon, Giaffone moved up two spots in the order with a lap of
20.2018 seconds (178.202 mph).  Hornish had the fast afternoon lap, as well
(20.0219/179.803), followed by Castroneves (20.1690/178.492).  He
encountered gearbox problems and the team opted to stop one hour before the
end of the afternoon session.

Giaffone turned 143 laps in today's two sessions.

FELIPE GIAFFONE

"We struggled a little bit in Fontana (during Wednesday's first Test in the
West test day). It was hard to go the right direction because we lost an
engine there. Over here (Phoenix), the car was pretty good from the first
day. It looks like we will have a pretty good race car. It's a shame we
broke something because we just had new tires."