PacWest Lights preparing for Mexico

(Sebring, FL) -- PacWest Indy Lights driver Dan Wheldon completed day one of a two day test at Sebring International Raceway in Florida Monday, as the 2001 Dayton Indy Lights Series season-opener on March 11 in Monterrey, Mexico fast approaches. Wheldon, the 2000 Toyota Atlantic Rookie of the Year, took to the 1.6-mile Sebring road course for the first time this season and was pleased with his progress. Mark Hynes, the 1999 British F3 champion, joined Wheldon and tested the second PacWest Indy Lights car. He had participated in an earlier testing session with PacWest in December, and Paul "Ziggy" Harcus, team manager, was very impressed with his abilities and asked him to come back for a second test.

The two drivers drove competitively against each other with Wheldon posting a quick time of 58.1 seconds, while Hynes managed a quick lap of 58.2 seconds.

The PacWest Indy Lights team will test again today at Sebring before they head to Texas for a two-day test February 20 and 22.

DAN WHELDON - # 1 PACWEST INDY LIGHTS
"It was really good to be back in the car," said Wheldon. "We were pretty slow on the straights, but we're not here for optimum lap times, we're here to test," he added. "We have another day Tuesday, and we will work through what we need to and have something good for Mexico. It's great working with Ziggy and this team - I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season."

PAUL ("ZIGGY") HARCUS - PACWEST INDY LIGHTS TEAM MANAGER
"Both Dan and Mark had a great day pushing each other," said Harcus. "We were hard on the brakes and shocks, but overall we had a good test, and I'm very happy with both drivers' performances. Towards the end of the day, Mark had a small off, but he was uninjured. We'll work hard to make the necessary repairs so Mark will be ready to hit the track again Tuesday."

-PacWest