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BARBERDODGE: Townsend Bell Fastest in 1st Day of Practice at Phoenix

16 April 1999

Phoenix, AZ-- Townsend Bell proved himself a quick learner the first day of testing at Phoenix International Raceway's oval, where he set the fastest lap of the day-- with no prior oval experience.

The PIR Oval Test is in preparation for the Barber Dodge race May 22 at Nazareth Speedway. Bell worked his way through the pack of lap times the first two sessions to capture the fastest times in both the third and fourth sessions. Bell edged out Juan Jose Font of Caracas, Venezuela with a 28.258 sec. lap, averaging 127.398 MPH.

Bell was "thrilled with the car's setup," happy to have the car running strongly after a blown motor prevented him from starting the last race at Sebring. An obviously content Bell stated he is "happy to have the #25 DirecPC/PC World Reynard Dodge at the front of the pack."

News from the remaining practice days at Phoenix to come following their completion.

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