CHAMPCAR/CART: Bell runs second Patrick test

JACKSON, MI - - AUGUST 22, 2001 - - Dayton Indy Lights Championship Series leader Townsend Bell ran his second successful test for Patrick Racing today at Chicago Motor Speedway in Cicero, Illinois.

Bell, who was testing a Champ Car on an oval for the first time, ran a total of 240 miles at CMS. He had the fastest lap of the two drivers testing today (Newman/Hass Racing's Cristiano da Matta also tested) running a quick time of 24.28 seconds.

"Townsend did a great job," said Patrick Racing General Manager Jim McGee. "We ran on full tanks and tried several different things. He had a good feel for the car and was very consistent. We have been very pleased with both his tests. He has done an excellent job," McGee noted.

Bell, who previously tested for Patrick Racing on the road course at Mid-Ohio on Monday, August, August 13, said, "Just as in Mid-Ohio, Patrick Racing gave me a car that had a good setup. We fine-tuned the car for the weather and track conditions and then experimented with some different things. Overall, I think it was a good test considering it was my first time on an oval in a Champ Car. I learned a lot."

The 26-year-old resident of San Luis Obispo, California, who drives the #30 DIRECTWAY Dorricott Racing Lola in the Dayton Indy Lights Championship Series, leads the series in wins and poles with four each. He has six career Indy Lights wins and was the "Rookie of the Year" in 2000.

-Patrick Racing