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CART: Several teams testing at Nazareth Speedway this week

16 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Several FedEx Championship Series teams are testing at Nazareth Speedway this week in preparation for Round 2 of the FedEx Championship Series, the Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix Presented by Toyota, April 7-9.

Among those testing Tuesday were FedEx Championship Series champion and defending Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix champion Juan Montoya (Target Toyota Lola) of Target/Chip Ganassi Racing; Gil de Ferran (Marlboro Honda Reynard) of Marlboro Team Penske; and rookie Kenny Brack (Shell Ford Reynard) of Team Rahal.

Unofficially, de Ferran recorded the fastest speed at 184.615 mph (19.5 seconds), completing 100 laps on the 1-mile oval. Brack completed the most laps, 194, with a top speed of 183.673 mph (19.6 seconds).

Montoya, who tested only in the afternoon, completed 90 laps with a top speed of 182.741 mph (19.7 seconds). All cars were outfitted with the new high-downforce variant of the Handford MkII Device, which has been mandated by CART for use on all 1-mile ovals.

Team Rahal's Max Papis (Miller Lite Ford Reynard), who is testing at Nazareth today, said the Handford Mk II will enhance the competition in next month's event.

"This is going to be a much better race than last year," said Papis, who finished a career-best fifth in the championship last season. "With this new wing, you can really feel comfortable attacking the corners unlike last year. But I have always liked coming here. This is one of my favorite tracks."

Text provided by T.E. McHale

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