Former Indy Lights champion J.R. Hildebrand had a strong two-day test on the one-mile oval at Phoenix International Raceway aboard Panther Racing Dallara Honda as he has probably succeeded at putting his name on top the team’s short-list of candidates.
The team is looking to replace former regular Dan Wheldon who has failed to impress in the last couple of years.
Team owner John Barnes is also looking for a driver that will be both impressive on the track as well as with the sponsors and the crew.
Al Unser Jr., the two-time CART champion and two-time Indy 500 winner, was brought in by Barnes to evaluate the test and says he came away impressed with Hildebrand’s nerves and overall approach to racing.
The team hopes to have a decision on a new driver made by the end of December.
The team is looking to replace former regular Dan Wheldon who has failed to impress in the last couple of years.
Team owner John Barnes is also looking for a driver that will be both impressive on the track as well as with the sponsors and the crew.
Al Unser Jr., the two-time CART champion and two-time Indy 500 winner, was brought in by Barnes to evaluate the test and says he came away impressed with Hildebrand’s nerves and overall approach to racing.
The team hopes to have a decision on a new driver made by the end of December.