After a three-week break from the No. 17 Team Ethanol Honda-powered Dallara, Jeff Simmons was raring to get back to work. source: indycar.com / Arni Sribhen The 2006 Bombardier Rookie of the Year runner-up was one of four IndyCar Series drivers participating in a Firestone tire test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was the first significant time in an IndyCar Series machine since the season ended Sept. 10 at Chicagoland Speedway. He also participated in a compatibility test at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course two weeks ago. "Hopefully, the test (at Indianapolis) will give us a step up going into the off-season and prepare for next year," said Simmons, who recorded six top-10 finishes in 12 starts. "Any chance you get to run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a big deal. I'm glad I was asked to be part of it." Simmons and Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan were outfitted with the same 3.5-liter Honda V-8 engine powered by 100 fuel-grade ethanol that will be used by the entire IndyCar Series field in 2007. Simmons said he was impressed with the new package's performance on the 2.5-mile oval. "(The motor) has got a broader powerband," he said. "It's going through the corners better and allows us to try some things with the gearing, whereas you had to be really precise with the gearing last year. We're still able to pull a good speed off even if you're off a little with the gearing." Simmons, who is unsigned for 2007, hopes to announce his plans soon. He said his preferences is to remain with Rahal Letterman Racing. "I'm just looking forward to building on what we did in the second half of the season," Simmons said. "We had a rough start, but everyone on Team Ethanol worked hard to turn that around. We have some momentum going, and I think that's part of the reason why we were invited to take part in this test. We're with the top guys in the series. Helio (Castroneves) is here, Tony Kanaan, (Dan) Wheldon today and I think (Scott) Dixon tomorrow. To be able to run on the track with those guys is a really big deal for us."
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