CART: Moreno tests new Toyota power plant at Sebring
24 November 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
One day after announcing that driver Roberto Moreno would be powered by Toyota during the 2001 FedEx Championship Series season, Patrick Racing conducted its first off-season test last Thursday and Friday at Sebring International Raceway. Moreno, coming off a career-best third-place finish in the 2000 FedEx Championship Series, completed more than 200 miles during the inaugural test, which took place less than one week after the team received its first of several new Reynard 01I chassis.
"The Visteon/Patrick Racing crew did a tremendous job preparing the car for the test at Sebring in so little time," commented veteran Patrick Racing General Manager Jim McGee. "Overall, it was a great test. The first day was mostly an installation day, so we didn't run a lot of laps. However, the second day we ran a couple of hundred trouble-free miles and were very impressed with the results. The Toyota engine ran great and the test was a compliment to Reynard for the job they have done with the new car."
Moreno, whose spectacular season included his first career FedEx Championship Series victory and pole position at Cleveland, was similarly pleased.
"I impressed with the new 2001 Toyota engine," he said. "It is awesome. I love the throttle response and the fact that the engine was competitive right out of the box. I am also impressed with the way the Toyota people react to the adjustments we suggest and how they work with the Visteon/Patrick Racing team."
Moreno, who just completed his seventh FedEx Championship Series season, claimed six podium finishes during a banner campaign for Patrick Racing in which teammate Adrian Fernandez (Tecate/Quaker State/Patrick Racing Ford Reynard) finished second in the championship to Gil de Ferran (Marlboro Honda Reynard) of Marlboro Team Penske.
Moreno scored championship points in 14 of 20 events and finished second in the FedEx Championship Series in laps and miles completed.
Text provided by T.E. McHale
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