Indycar teams prepare for Camping World Grand Prix

Seven Drivers from Four Teams Test Throughout the Day at The Glen 

Seven IndyCar Series drivers tested at Watkins Glen International on Tuesday, June 9, to prepared for the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, which will take place over the Fourth of July weekend.  With less than a month until race time, teams tried a combination of adjustments on their cars attempting to find speed around the 3.4-mile road course.

 Drivers participating in the test session included:  Danica Patrick, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti for Andretti-Green Racing, Milka Duno and Mike Conway for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Mario Moraes for KV Racing, and Richard Antinucci for Team 3G, who will make their IndyCar Series debut in the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen. 

“We’re here because this is one of the tracks that we’ve been very competitive at, but we haven’t won here,” said Tony Kanaan.  “I think it’s one of the few tracks that AGR has not won yet.  We’re here to find out why.  That’s why we came here with three cars.”

Teammate Marco Andretti continued, “We hope to get the cars to right there, to where when we roll off on race weekend, we’ll be competing for the race victory.” 

Fans packed the track and turned out for the public test session to watch the on track action, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of their favorite driver.  An early morning rain storm caused the teams to get a late start as they waited for the track to dry before they went out testing.  Luckily, rumors of an afternoon rainstorm proved false as cars continued on track following their hour-long lunch break.  The skies stayed clear for the teams during the afternoon session which allowed them to maximize their time at The Glen.

“We had a real good test and made some really good progress,” said Mark Johnson, general manager for KV Racing Technologies. “We stuck to our testing plan and are really happy with the way the test went today.”

In addition to allowing the experienced teams a chance to improve on their setups, the session also gave rookies a crash course in road racing as they prepare for their first IndyCar Series start at The Glen.  The Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen will mark Mike Conway’s first start in any series as The Glen.  Fellow IndyCar Series rookie, Richard Antinucci, won the 2008 Firestone Indy Light’s Corning Duel #2, but made his first laps around the circuit in an IndyCar Series racecar during the test. 

Tickets for the entire 2009 season at Watkins Glen International are on sale now!  Celebrate the Fourth of July with the 5th Annual Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen weekend, July 3-5.  On-track action will be headlined by the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, F2000 Championship Series and the SCCA SPEED World Challenge.  Weekend tickets begin at just $55, and general admission for kids 12 and under is FREE when accompanied by an adult.

 For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official Watkins Glen International website at www.TheGlen.com.  Tickets, gift certificates and track merchandise can be all purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen-Open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, Closed Sunday; 607-535-2338.

 
- Ryan Lake-