CHAMPCAR/CART: PacWest Tests at Sebring

Sebring Test Has PacWest Excited About '99 Mauricio Gugelmin tests the 1999 Reynard at Sebring.

Sebring, FL (November 23, 1998) - Mauricio Gugelmin wrapped up a productive three-day shakedown of PacWest Racing Group's first Reynard 99I chassis last Friday at Sebring International Raceway. The 35-year old Brazilian lowered his lap time to 51.6 seconds and left Sebring in a confident frame of mind.

"It's very encouraging to have such a successful first test," Gugelmin stated. "We did around 600 miles overall and had no problems whatsoever. The car was really reliable."

"We're basically learning what it likes," he continued. "We kept it simple, but looked at a lot of things. There's potentially a lot more to come. At least I know I have a car that I can use the brakes to attack corners rather than a car that wants to attack me!"

Gugelmin and the PacWest team are looking to rebound from a disappointing 1998 campaign that produced a top finish of fourth at Mid-Ohio. After claiming three poles and his first CART win on his way to fourth place in the PPG Cup standings in 1997, Mauricio and teammate Mark Blundell never got to grips with the 1998 Reynard, finishing 14th and 17th respectively in the season points chase.

"One of the keys to our success in 1997 was getting the new car early and putting in a lot of miles to learn what it liked and didn't like," said Gugelmin. "It's a tremendous advantage for us to be the first team out testing our '99 package."

'PacWest