IRL, Indy 500: Pennzoil Panther Racing Team Notes from Day 2 of Indy Practice
17 May 1999
INDIANAPOLIS 500Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Sunday-May 16, 1999
INDIANAPOLIS - Rookie Dave Steele and his Pennzoil Panther Racing team made a late start in practice today on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, but spending time on the car's set up paid off.
With 37 drivers on the track today, Steele, at 4:00 p.m., had posted the 18th fastest speed of the day with a fast lap of 41.002, or an average speed of 219.501mph.
"It felt great to be out there this afternoon," said Steele. "We beat our previous top practice time from April and had a good run. The wind was blowing pretty hard in turns one and three, but otherwise the track and car felt good."
Preparing for his first Indy 500 start, Steele is driving the #43 Pennzoil G-Force/Aurora/Goodyear car. Teammate Scott Goodyear is working along side Steele, offering tips for racing on the IMS 2-1/2 mile oval. "He's a solid driver and is breaking all kinds of records in the midget and sprint series. It only makes sense that he can transfer those skills to the IRL and the Indy 500. "
According to team owner and team manager for the #43 car, Gary Pedigo, the team made the decision to spend the early part of the day working on setting changes in the garage and then shaking out the minor tweaks on the track. "We were pleased that Dave ran as fast as he did, and as quickly as he did. It only took a few laps before his speeds eclipsed yesterday's run. Dave's got the right temperament for this track and this car."
Prior to his session, Steele spent time consulting with Johnny Rutherford and Al Unser, Sr., both rookie-driver advisers. According to Steele: "I'm in a great spot now to learn from the world's best. I'll listen to whatever advice they're willing to give."
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