INDY 500: Team Target Duo Takes Turns Topping Charts at Indy 500 Practice
19 May 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Vasser, Montoya 1-2 during Thursday practice
Indianapolis -- Team Target drivers Juan Montoya and Jimmy Vasser have each topped the charts during the first six days of practice for the May 28 Indianapolis 500. Vasser, who finished fourth in the 1994 Indy 500, topped the speed charts on Thursday, turning a lap of 221.681 mph in the #10 Target G Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone.
"First of all, the reception has been fantastic from the fans and officials," said Vasser, who claimed the 1996 CART championship, the first of four straight titles for Target/Chip Ganassi Racing. "Since arriving from (the CART race in) Japan, we've just had to get to work on the car. We don't really have the opportunity to sit back and realize, 'Wow, this is cool.' Some of my most exciting memories in life was qualifying here my rookie year. This is still the biggest motor race in the world."
Vasser is one of six different drivers to top the charts during the first six days of practice at the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway. His teammate and defending CART champion Montoya also spent a day at the top spot. The 24-year-old Colombian turned the fastest lap on Wednesday at a speed of 221.566 mph. The Wednesday practice lasted just 33 minutes due to rain.
"I think the car is really good," said Montoya, who was second fastest on Thursday with a lap at 221.555 mph. "We're getting used to the new car and I think I'll be very comfortable by the end of the week. This has been a great experience already. What a track! I can't wait for the race."
Montoya and Vasser will compete in the Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix in Nazareth, Pa. on Saturday, May 27, the day before the Indy 500.
Text provided by Tom Ryan
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