CART: Scott Dixon attacks Phoenix oval for first time
27 January 2001
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
(Phoenix, AZ)---PacWest Racing concluded their two-day test on the short oval of Phoenix International Raceway on Thursday, and walked away quite please with their progress.
Twenty-year-old rookie Scott Dixon, who is poised to become the youngest driver to compete in the FedEx Championship Series in 2001, ran for the first time of the season on an oval, and he is first time ever at PIR.
Completing almost 200 miles in the #17 car of Mauricio Gugelmin, Dixon clocked a quick time of 21.5 seconds on the one-mile oval and maintained times in the mid 21- second range for most of the day. Dixon will become the first New Zealander to compete in the CART series, and is looking forward to the challenge.
SCOTT DIXON - # 18 PACWEST TOYOTA
"I think my test went relatively well," said Dixon. "I’m still learning a lot every time I strap myself into a Champ Car, and running on this oval for the first time ever provided me with an opportunity to learn a new track – which I enjoy. We worked on a lot of different set-ups Thursday and tested various components on the car during the day. I was battling some oversteer in turn two, but other than that, we were okay. My learning curve is right where I expected it would be, and the entire PacWest crew has been terrific to work with. They’re really helping me get comfortable in the car, and their preparation has enabled us to run from the time the green flag falls until the end of each day. I couldn’t be happier to be working with this team, and we’re definitely looking forward to this season."
RUSSELL CAMERON – PACWEST DIRECTOR OF RACE OPERATIONS
"Scott really did a great job considering this was his first time ever at PIR," said Cameron. "I’ll tell you what - his attitude is fantastic. Off the track Scott is relatively quiet, but once he straps himself into the car, he puts his race-face on and he’s really been giving us some great feedback on the handling of the car. He’s obviously hungry to learn, and the fact that he is not overly excitable and keeps everything in perspective will be a plus for him this season. He kept the car well under control during his test and having him here to observe Mauricio drive on Wednesday will be beneficial down the road. I’m pleased with Scott’s time of 21.5 seconds, and again, we were not really concentrating on putting up the fastest times. Scott was 20 laps into a 60-lap long run towards the end of the day when the yellow flag flew for a track inspection. The sun was starting to set, so we decided to call it a day. Overall it was a very successful test."
Text Provided By Tom Hollett
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