Panther Racing’s expanded two-car lineup was showcased for the first time in 2007 during the IndyCar Series’ two-day open test at the historic Daytona International Speedway this week.
Panther driver Vitor Meira, fresh off announcing Delphi as his new primary sponsor and a three-year contract extension with the team, finished the test with the seventh quickest lap time. Super Aguri Panther driver Kosuke Matsuura completed his first test with Panther, posting the 11th-quick lap of the test at 133.006 mph, 73.6206 seconds.
Vitor’s best lap was 134.149 mph, 72.9935 seconds.
Meira became the first open-wheel driver to complete a lap at Daytona since 1959 when his No. 4 car was the first to cross the finish line during the league’s compatibility test on Sept. 26, 2006.
Vitor Meira Quote:
“I felt this test was a good one for us. It’s nice to be back at Daytona after the compatibility test we did here at the end of last season. The Delphi Panther car feels good and I think we learned some things that will help us at St. Pete this year and, hopefully, the decision will be made to race here in the future. Daytona is a special place and I think it would be good for open-wheel racing and for the track to have the IndyCar Series participate in an event here. “
Kosuke Matsuura:
“This is our first time together with Super Aguri Panther team and it was good. We ran a lot of things and were able to work though a few little problems. There is no race this week so it’s good for us to find what we need to change and get the data we can use for St. Pete race. I think we are in good shape and I look forward to Homestead. ”
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