IndyCar Series teams will have the opportunity to test at two of the three new venues on the schedule as part of the 2007 testing schedule. source: indycar.com In addition to the previously announced preseason Open Tests - the first-ever visit to Daytona International Speedway (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) and testing under the lights at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Feb. 21-22) - the series will conduct one-day Open Tests at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 5 and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 13 and a half-day Open Test at Iowa Speedway on June 22. "Open Testing has been part of the IndyCar Series since its inception and has proven to be a tremendous value to our teams and drivers, especially when it comes to new venues," said Brian Barnhart, president and chief operating officer of the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series. "These tests continue the league's goal of containing the costs associated with running in our series while allowing our teams and manufacturers the chance to acclimate to new facilities and provide the best racing possible." The current testing policy was introduced prior to the 2004 season to ensure that each IndyCar Series team has an equal opportunity to test during the year, while cutting down the costs incurred. Additional testing days can be earned by IndyCar Series teams that participate in each IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series race. Full-time IndyCar Series entrants that also field full-time entries in the Indy Pro Series can earn up to five additional testing days. The bonus testing days will be awarded following participation in designated races during the 2007 Indy Pro Series season and must be shared by a team's IndyCar Series driver and an Indy Pro Series driver. The tests must be used by Dec. 31, 2007 and can be conducted at any IRL-approved venue except the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Bonus tests will be awarded as follows:
"As we saw in 2006 with Andretti Green Racing, the bonus testing program benefits the IndyCar Series team and the team's Indy Pro Series driver," Barnhart said. "The Indy Pro Series driver gets the opportunity to gain valuable seat time in an IndyCar Series car while the team gets additional feedback, which it can use to its advantage
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