IRL: Two Teams Make Debut at Phoenix

Goodyear, AZ, (March 19, 1998) - Two new teams make their debut in the Pep Boys IRL series at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend. David Steele, of Tampa, Florida will drive the No. 22 rsm Marko Dallara. Steele's team had a chance to run their car during the Test in the West, turning a lap of 21.872/165.670.

Also making their Pep Boys IRL debut is the CBR Cobb Racing Team, owned by endurance racer Price Cobb. Cobb's team will field a G-Force Aurora for Paul Durant.

"Four weeks ago we had not one nut or bolt" Cobb said. "Today we're here with our first car."

Cobb had to back out of a GT-3 ride at Sebring this weekend to come to Phoenix. Today is the first day of official practice for the Twelve Hours of Sebring but Price Cobb is in Phoenix enjoying his new role as an IRL team owner. "I'm so excited my palms are wet. I'm just walking around here like a kid."

Cobb admits that the team is on a fact finding mission this weekend. "You can buy the right equipment and I believe I have. We've got the right people. I don't see why we shouldn't do well, barring the fact that we're brand spanking new".

Although Paul Durant has yet to turn a wheel in the team's car he was optimistic about making a good showing this weekend. "I'll take what the car gives me. If we have a good combination, who knows" he said with a smile.

Crew members worked making final preparations to the team's G-Force late Thursday afternoon. They have one car at the track and another back at the shop.

Practice begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning for the Pep Boys IRL cars, with the field split into two groups. Each group will practice for one hour in the morning session. IRL practice continues from 3:05 - 4:35, each group taking to the track for fourty five minutes.

David Reininger - Motorsport News International