Comparing the Dallara and Panoz G Force
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's entry form for the
upcoming Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 is being changed to reflect the addition of
a Dallara chassis for the #9 Target Toyota of Scott Dixon. Current entries for
teammates Darren Manning (#10 Toyota Panoz) and Ryan Briscoe (#33 Toyota Panoz)
remain unchanged.
Representing the only engine combination of its kind in the series with the
marriage of the Toyota power plant and Panoz G Force platform, the Target team
did not previously feel it could efficiently and productively test two different
chassis with the differing driving styles of Dixon and Manning. However, with
the recent addition of former Toyota Formula One test pilot Ryan Briscoe, a new
opportunity presented itself.
"Now that our IndyCar program has expanded to three quality drivers, we feel
that with a strong engineering and management group rooted deeply in information
sharing, this would be the perfect time to gauge the team's performance on
multiple levels," said Team Managing Director Mike Hull. "Now that the Target
team is better able to monitor driver style and performance, it makes sense at
this juncture to have direct comprehension and comparison of the two chassis.
This team was built on racing excellence, and this is another step to ensuring
Chip Ganassi Racing is doing everything in its power to maximize preparations
and stay competitive."
The addition of the Dallara chassis adds to the team's open wheel arsenal, but
is not indicative of a move to the Dallara chassis, or remaining with Panoz.
Rather, with the reduction of track time and test days by IRL rules and
standards, this will be the team's best way to monitor performance by matching
data streams.