IRL: Andretti Green Racing Phoenix test notes

Tony Kanaan warms up on the track in Phoenix.

Indianapolis, Ind. (January 28, 2003) -- Andretti Green Racing and driver Tony Kanaan wrapped up two days of testing on Tuesday at the 1-mile Phoenix International Raceway. The team focused the mechanical side of the car during the test, running more than 250 miles over the two-day span. The weather on both days was good with temperatures in the low 80's.

"The test went pretty well," said the 28-year-old Brazilian. "It was the first time I was able to drive my own car so we spent a fair bit of time making adjustments in the cockpit and getting settled in. We need to spend all the time we have right now figuring out what this car likes and what it doesn't and how Andretti Green Racing can use each on-track session to give us more information than the last. I have to say I'm pretty happy, we still have things that need to be worked on but overall we've got a good starting point heading into Test in the West."

The AGR crew used Monday morning to make cockpit adjustments to get the car to Kanaan's liking. Once Tony was comfortable in the car the team concentrated on learning how specific changes affected the car's handling.

"When we showed up the car was a little off," said team manager Tony Cotman, "But once we started making some changes we were able to find a good balance and Tony became really comfortable. We are making good progress but we still have a long way to go."

AGR won't have much time to rest as the team will head off to California Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway for the IRL's Test in the West, February 4-8.

Andretti Green Racing, which is owned by Michael Andretti, along with partners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, will run three cars in the 2003 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series for drivers Michael Andretti, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan. The IndyCar Series season begins on March 2 at Miami-Homestead Speedway.

-AGR-