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CART/F3: Firestone Formula 3 South American Champ Hoover Orsi to Test Della Penna Motorsports Champ Car

1 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Indianapolis, Ind. - Della Penna Motorsports team owner John Della Penna is providing the winner of the South American Formula 3 Championship an opportunity to test a Champ Car for the second consecutive year. In 1999, 21-year-old Brazilian Hoover Orsi captured his first title in an impressive manner finishing all 18 race events in the top-10, scoring four wins and a pole position as well as establishing six new track records. Orsi is scheduled to test Richie Hearn's Toyota-powered 1999 Reynard Champ Car on December 7 and 8 at Sebring International Raceway.

"Latin American race fans are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate race enthusiasts in the world," Della Penna said, "as we saw this season with their support of Colombian CART Champion Juan Montoya. The Firestone Formula 3 Series is the top open-wheel series in Latin America and, being an Argentine native, I am proud to provide these drivers the opportunity to showcase their talents to the CART community.

"Hoover Orsi has amazed me this season with his speed and consistency. I look forward to seeing him handle a Champ Car."

Orsi began his racing career in 1992 competing in a Brazilian karting series at the age of 14 and capturing the championship the following season. He also competed in Formula Ford and British Formula Renault before campaigning an effort in Formula 3. The 1999 Firestone Formula 3 South American Championship marks his first major racing title.

"Testing the Della Penna Motorsports Champ car is a going to be a thrill for me," Orsi said. "This annual opportunity that John (Della Penna) has established for the Formula 3 champion brings a welcome awareness to the series and to Latin American driving talents like myself."

Toyota Motorsports and Bridgestone Firestone, noted suppliers for Richie Hearn's FedEx Championship Series effort, are contributing to making this test possible for Orsi. Bridgestone Firestone also serves as the title sponsor for the South American series.

"John Della Penna's involvement brings the Firestone Formula 3 Series to a higher level of awareness," said Mark Emkes, President of Bridgestone Firestone, Brazil. "We at Bridgestone Firestone are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to offer young drivers the chance to drive a Champ Car with an accomplished team."

Former Formula 3 Champion Gabriel Furlan will also be on hand for the December test. The Argentine native won his fourth F3 title last season securing a Della Penna Motorsports Champ Car test.

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