CHAMPCAR/CART: PacWest Testing for 1999

PacWest Gears Up for '99 with Reynard Chassis #001

(November 15, 1998) -- The1998 FedEx Championship Series post-season began when the checker flag waved at the Marlboro 500 on November 1, but it didn't last long for PacWest Racing Group. The team's brief seven-day post-season break officially ended Sunday, November 8 as the team took delivery of its first 1999 Reynard chassis.

"It's going to be a great competitive advantage for us getting the new car this early," commented John Anderson, Vice President of Racing Operations. "It's earlier than we've ever had a car before. If you look at where we were last year and where we are now, we're already months ahead of the game."

The Reynard 99I is scheduled to hit the track November 18-20 when Mauricio Gugelmin shakes down the car at Sebring International Raceway. For now, chassis #001 is being prepped to accept the Mercedes-Benz IC108E powerplant that will power the car for the initial test. The updated Mercedes-Benz IC108F is expected to arrive shortly thereafter.

"The chassis is basically an evolution of the same successful design Reynard has been winning with for the last couple years," continued Anderson. "We are impressed with what we see and are eager to put the car to pavement."

PacWest Racing Group endured a difficult 1998 season with Gugelmin earning a top finish of fourth and teammate Mark Blundell a sixth. The team looks to regain its 1997 form when Blundell claimed three victories while Gugelmin captured a win and three poles.

The 1999 FedEx Championship Series season kicks off with CART Spring Training set for February 2-4 at Homestead Speedway in Miami.

Source: CART Online/PacWest Racing Group.