CHAMPCAR/CART: Houston GP Friday notes

By Chris Speigner - Motorsport.com

Houston, TX - The activities got underway today with Trans Am practice. No surprises came as Paul Gentilozzi and Brian Simo turned in the fastest lap times. Johnny Miller was the first casualty of the weekend with a blown first gear taking him out of practice early on. Willy T. Ribbs was back in force with an eleventh fastest lap time, after his car burned down at Texas Motor Speedway.

The Indy Lights had a successful early practice with no major incidents. The teams spent their allotted time working out setups and pit strategy. Jonny Kane turned in the fastest lap time, with Derek Higgins and rookie Jason Bright right on his heels.

The CART Champ cars took the track on schedule for their morning practice. With all the teams having a great showing. Memo Gidley had some mechanical difficulties early on bringing out a full course red flag. Christian Fittipaldi consistently turned in the fastest lap times, with Juan Montoya running a close second. During this early practice Michel Jourdain had a little excitement as he spun bringing out the full course red for the second time. Although it was a wild ride Jourdain managed to keep the car of the wall. The course quickly returned to green and Alex Tagliani turned in the fastest lap time for the initial practice.

The Toyota Atlantic drivers took the track for the first time at 1:00pm CST for their first run at the streets of Houston. The notoriously bumpy track played havoc with the drivers and their rides. The uneven road surface kept the drivers on their toes as they navigated the 1.2 mile circuit. The practice ended with no major incidents, and the drivers optimistic for a great race.