CHAMPCAR/CART: Tasman Update 98-05-19

Tasman Prepares for Road Races

Tasman Motorsports' Champ Car and Indy Lights teams have just returned from a successful two-day test session at Gingerman Raceway in northern Michigan. The team logged over 750 miles on the 1.88-mile road course in preparation for a string of four road and street course events during June and July.

"Although our next two events are oval races at St. Louis and Milwaukee," explained team owner Steve Horne, "we then start getting into a heavy road racing schedule beginning with the Detroit Grand Prix on June 7. We are starting to refine and work on our road course setup and improve the car."

The last road course event on the 1998 FedEx Championship Series schedule was the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 5. Tasman Champ Car driver Tony Kanaan finished fifth and Indy Lights drivers Cristiano da Matta and Airton Dare claimed first and ninth-place finishes respectively.

Wind Tunnel Program Paying Dividends

Finding an extra tenth of a second in the ultra-competitive world of Champ Car racing can mean the difference in starting 14th on the grid or third. Many teams turn to wind tunnel testing in search of that extra edge and Tasman is no exception.

"We have a small wind tunnel program underway which is starting to reap benefits," said Horne. "We have been using the Arrows Formula One tunnel in England, and we are now starting to use the new Reynard purpose-built wind tunnel in Indianapolis, Indiana which is also being used to design the new Reynard Formula One car. Our engineers will be there next week to work on some more aerodynamic tweeks for the car. This program is certainly helping our overall progress."

In and Around Town

Tony Kanaan will be a guest speaker at the International Motorsports Press Luncheon in New York City on Tuesday, May 19th.

The Tasman team will be making an appearance at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce "After Hours" social/open house on May 20th. The event is from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and will be held at LCI International, 6000 Parkwood Drive.

Tony Kanaan's #21 LCI show car will be on display at the corporate offices of the Limited on May 22nd from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm for the company's annual racing-themed employee day.

Tasman will have a show car in the garage of the BIA Foundation House at the 1998 Parade of Homes held June 13th through June 28th. This year's event will take place at the new Hawkes Nest Development off of Muirfield Drive in Dublin.

Ultimate Ride

The second winner in the internet-based sweepstakes hosted by Tasman Motorsports and LCI International -- UltimateRide.com -- will be announced Friday, May 22nd.

The lucky winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to IndyCarnival Australia held at Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia on October 18th. The trip includes air transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, race tickets, a photo session with the team and $4800 in spending money.

Upcoming prizes include four chances to drive the #21 LCI Reynard-Honda Champ Car piloted by Tony Kanaan this season, and a 1997 Champ Car in showcar condition.

The sweepstakes will run through December 31, 1998. Full details and contest rules are available at www.UltimateRide.com or by calling 1-888-LCI-WinIt.

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