CART: Ganassi's rookies test at Nazareth
24 November 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's new rookie driving tandem of Bruno Junqueira and Nicolas Minassian received an introduction to oval-track racing during a two-day test last Wednesday and Thursday at Nazareth Speedway. It was the first-ever oval test for both Junqueira and Minassian, who finished first and second, respectively, in the 2000 FIA Formula 3000 championship.
The drivers completed more than 360 trouble-free miles during the two-day test, which was hampered only by cool temperatures and gusting winds.
"Being on an oval was very different, but very good," said Junqueira, a native Brazilian. "It was exciting. I appreciate the feedback I get from the team. It is only going to help me learn." Minassian, a Frenchman, said he gained confidence during his two days on the Nazareth oval. "The oval was fun today," he said at the conclusion of the test.
"Yesterday, it was more about understanding the track, the car and the lines and getting adjusted. I will be very excited to come back in May and race [at the Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix Presented by Toyota, May 4-6]."
Mike Hull, managing director of Target Chip Ganassi Racing, was impressed with the performance of the two rookies.
"Although the weather didn't improve, the drivers did," Hull said. "We were able to complete the test with no mechanicals [problems] and move fairly quickly from getting comfortable to working with the engineers on setup. That says a lot for the quality of Team Target, especially our new drivers." Said team owner Chip Ganassi, whose team put together an unprecedented run of four consecutive FedEx Championship Series titles from 1996-99, "Nazareth is a tough track no matter what the conditions are, but man, what a great place for these guys to learn ... and they're doing great so far."
Target Chip Ganassi Racing will conduct the first test of its 2001 Toyota Lola package in early December at Sebring International Raceway.
Text provided by T.E. McHale
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