CART: Four-Time Defending Champions Begin Testing
26 December 1999
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
The four-time defending FedEx Championship Series champion Target/Chip
Ganassi Racing Team began its off-season testing program last week with
three days of workouts on the 1.65-mile road course at Sebring
International Raceway. Defending champion Juan Montoya (Target Toyota
Reynard) put in 154 miles during the test while teammate Jimmy Vasser
(Target Toyota Reynard) totaled 106 and logged the test's top lap time,
51.57 seconds. The tests were the first for the team since switching from
Honda to Toyota power for the 2000 FedEx Championship Series season.
"It felt great to be back in the car again," Montoya said. "I couldn't feel any major changes in the car and that's a good sign. I look forward to our next chance to test. I'm very excited about the Toyota engine." Said Vasser: "I was impressed with how well the car and, in particular, the Toyota engine performed. We really have come good momentum heading into 2000 and the new season." Team owner Chip Ganassi said team members and Toyota representatives reached a comfort level quickly. "The Toyota engine was flawless this week - both Jimmy and Juan were very happy," said Ganassi. "I was also pleased with the interaction between our team and the Toyota people, which, at this point, is really just as important as the engine's performance. It's clear that we have the same goal, and we're willing to learn how to work with each other. We went fast, so I have no complaints." The team continues its off-season testing program Jan. 11 at Firebird International Raceway outside Phoenix.
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