CHAMPCAR/CART: Spring Training PacWest Notes and Quotes

PacWest Racing Group is the most confident it has felt following Spring Training for several years after final testing sessions were completed at the Homestead Miami Speedway today.

The team has had a hectic schedule during the past two months, and previously positive results continued at the 1.5-mile Florida oval.

Both the #17 Nextel Mercedes-Benz and the #18 Motorola Mercedes-Benz made steady improvement throughout the two-day test.

The opening round of the 2000 FedEx Championship Series season will be held at the Homestead Miami Speedway on March 24-26.

Mauricio Gugelmin, #17 Nextel Mercedes-Benz Reynard

"We fulfilled the plan that we had for this test, which was to develop a set-up for the race. We concentrated on running the car heavy with fuel and did some long stints. This morning we achieved a lot, too. We had a radical difference in set-up between the two cars, and we were able to generate a lot of data which will be very useful when we return here for the race.

My mechanics performed flawlessly for the entire test -- they were just outstanding. I'm also happy to see the engineers working very well together. With the way things are working already, I think we are going to have a very good year."

Mark Blundell, #18 Motorola Mercedes-Benz Reynard

"We came to Homestead with a lot of optimism because our testing had been going really well, and these past two days have only served to increase my confidence heading into the 2000 season. This is the happiest and most positive I've felt in three years after Spring Training. The guys at Mercedes-Benz have been working very hard, and we are seeing the results on track. It's all a sign of good times."