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CART: Tony Kanaan tests at Homestead

21 December 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Tony Kanaan wrapped up a flawless opening two days of testing in his brand new #55 Hollywood/Mo Nunn Racing Honda-powered 2001 Reynard on Monday at Tuesday at Homestead Miami Speedway in preparation for the 2001 CART FedEx Championship Series season.

The 25-year-old Brazilian logged a total of 189 miles in two days over the 2.16-mile road course at Homestead. His new teammate, two-time series champion Alex Zanardi, takes to the track for two days of testing on Wednesday and Thursday. The 34-year-old Zanardi will also drive the #55 team car while he awaits delivery of his #66 Pioneer/Mo Nunn Racing Honda-powered 2001 Reynard chassis.

A full report will follow Zanardi's two days of testing. The first top on the 22-race CART schedule for 2001 will be March 11 in Monterrey, Mexico.

"It was a very successful two days. Almost perfect. First, we wanted to sort out all those typical new-car installation problems and that seemed to take no time at all. Next, we wanted to see what our new package amounted to. I'm happy to say we were able to go out and stand on the gas right away. We still have a lot of work to do. Hey, it's only been two days of testing so far. But we're off to a good start.

"The team seems to be stronger than ever. We have one year under our belts. Everyone has gotten to know each other, and how to work together as a team. We got some new people since the end of last season. We're all very comfortable with each other. It wasn't necessarily the case a year ago when we were all basically just getting to know each other.

"As for my new teammate using my car ... I bedded the brakes for him and I scrubbed some tires for him, so he's ready to go. I'm loaning him my car for two days, and I'll be watching every lap. So he better behave himself!"

Text Provided By Laz Denes

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