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Indianapolis: Panther Racing open test notes

Firestone Indy Lights Driver Martin Plowman Finishes Third Overall in Test for Freedom 100 INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 5, 2009) -- Panther's Firestone Indy Lights duo of Martin Plowman and Pippa Mann participated in an Indy Lights open test. The ...

Published: Jun 19, 2009, 7:53 PM

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Firestone Indy Lights Driver Martin Plowman Finishes Third Overall in Test for Freedom 100

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 5, 2009) -- Panther's Firestone Indy Lights duo of Martin Plowman and Pippa Mann participated in an Indy Lights open test. The test was the first time either of Panther's developmental drivers had turned laps at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and team officials came away impressed by their progress.

Plowman was third-quick overall, with a best time of 190.891 mph, 47.1473 seconds. Pippa posted the eleventh fastest time of the 21 competitors in the field, with a quick lap of 188.966 mph, 47.6276 seconds. Both drivers are preparing for the prestigious Freedom 100, held on Carb Day (May 22nd). The race is the biggest on the Indy Lights schedule and Panther was victorious in the event last year with Dillon Battistini.

Martin Plowman, No. 15 Firestone Indy Lights

"We had a good day today. Our car is pretty strong and that's what you want from your car when you get to a track like Indianapolis. We started the day getting comfortable and learning the track and it didn't take long for us to go flat out. We did our full program, so I'm very excited about the race. We will now go back to the shop and keep working to get our car in top shape for the race. Today was like driving an oval for the first time again. In Homestead and Kansas I was flat out on the third time by but Indy is different. It's very technical and you have to treat the place with respect. It's awesome."

Pippa Mann, No. 16 Firestone Indy Lights

"We started the day shaking down the new car and making sure everything was in place. After taking the car back to the garage we ran a bit faster but we still had to battle a bit with the car being loose. The Panther crew will double check everything on the No. 16 and make sure that it's good to go for our next practice session on the 21st of May. It's very special to be at Indianapolis, but it's a little hard to enjoy the track when you have a car that's loose. It will get better, I'm sure."

-credit: pr

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