One of the highlights of season for the Crown Royal International Race of
Champions team is getting new drivers from other disciplines in the cars and up
to speed for the first time
source:
paddocktalk.com
Aside from determining the setup and equalizing the field of IROC cars the Crown
Royal IROC test drivers also have the challenge of tutoring the new drivers for
their first IROC race. All of the Crown Royal IROC practice cars are equipped
with Racing Electronics two-way radios giving the drivers communication while on
the track.
Series test driver Jim Sauter, Jay Sauter, Dave Marcis and Andy Hillenburg coach
the drivers in real-time while practicing drafting and teaching the drivers
about the various racing grooves.
The 2004 Indianapolis 500 champion, Buddy Rice climbed into the Crown Royal IROC
cars for the first time on Sunday and learned quickly the benefits of having
experienced drivers on the other end of the push-to-talk button. Rice said,
"When you come into something new you're usually on your own out there and only
in contact with your crew. Being able to talk with the other drivers on the
track is a great advantage."
"The usual drill is to get the driver comfortable in the car just like you would
do in a new street car," said IROC
President, Jay Signore. "For the new drivers we like to have the car full of
fuel and with fresh tires. We'll send him out to get the feel of the car and
experience the race track. He'll come in and sit for a moment, cool the tires
and that gives him some time to digest it all and make any other minor
adjustments before sending him out with the other drivers."