The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

ATLANTICS: Front row start for rookie Wheldon

26 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Dan Wheldon - 21-year old Englishman - starts from the front row of the grid in his Jayhard Swift Toyota as he debuts in the CART Toyota Atlantic Championship on Saturday 26th March at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.

In unofficial testing on Thursday, Wheldon was fastest in three of the four practice sessions.

In official qualifying on Friday, Wheldon set a best time of 40.898 seconds - a speed of 124.290 mph - taking second place on the 24-place start grid . . . a mere 0.24 seconds slower than pole position.

Saturday's race will open the series' 27th season and is the first of two Atlantic races this weekend. The CART Toyota Atlantic Championship has already produced such championship-winning drivers as Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Andretti.

Text provided by Kimberley Gee

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.