'This is the first time, and it's very special'
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Several IndyCar Series stars tested Daytona
Prototypes at the weekend in preparation for the Rolex 24 at Daytona
International Speedway.
2004 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice, Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti, Bryan
Herta, Scott Dixon, Darren Manning and Scott Sharp each recorded laps in the
sports cars they will drive in the February 7-8 endurance race.
"This is one of the few venues that you can get people from so many different
motorsports and put them all together," Rice said. "I think that makes it
exciting. It's fun for all of us. We know so many different people in different
forms of racing. For us to all be able to run together is cool."
The Lexus-powered Riley shared by Dixon, Manning and former IndyCar Series
driver Casey Mears and the Orbit Racing Pontiac Riley shared by Sharp, Jim
Matthews, Marc Goossens and Guy Smith were among the fastest cars in each of the
eight testing sessions.
"I think it'll be great to have all three Target drivers together in the No. 03
Target Lexus Riley," said Dixon, 2003 IndyCar Series Champion. "Both Darren and
I have a little more experience now after the podium in the Rolex season finale
last year at Fontana, and I know Casey is going to pick it up really quickly.
This is going to be a really fun event, but it's also going to be ultra
competitive out there."