ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (November 24, 2003) -The first official non-event Cooper Tires Championship Series sanctioned test is currently underway at Roebling Road, in Savannah, Ga. Taking part in the test are all three cars featured in the Championship Series, Formula Ford Zetec, Formula SCCA and Formula Sportscar.
In ideal warm and sunny conditions, 14 cars took to the track Monday morning. Driving on the 2.02-mile, six turn road course, the goal of the test for the majority of the drivers and teams, was to become more familiar with their car and gather valuable race setup information. In addition to running numerous laps in the morning session, all the teams and drivers testing were able to get valuable information and expertise from Lee Williams of Elite Transmissions, Sandy Shaliman of Quicksilver RacEngines, Todd Price of Cooper Tires and Ralph Firman of Van Diemen, who all attended the test. This was particularly beneficial to the 10 drivers running the new Formula SCCA and Formula Sportscar cars.
Following the one hour lunch break, testing resumed in damp conditions, with sporadic rain showers falling throughout the afternoon. Given the conditions, only a select number of drivers elected to go out in the afternoon session. While times were unofficial, Zetec Championship Rising Star award winner Adam Pecorari posted the fastest lap, followed closely by World Karting Champion Wade Cunningham, driving a Zetec Championship car for the first time, and the American Continental Championship runner-up Erick Hansen. Posting the fastest Formula SCCA time was the Formula SCCA North American Championships runner-up Frank Futrelle. Posting times marginally slower were three-time SCCA Formula 500 National Champion Elivan Goulart, multiple Pro Spec Racer race winner Neil Tilbor and Skip Barber Regionals National Championships podium finisher Jonathan Klein. Posting the fastest Formula Sportscar time was ALMS and former Zetec Championship driver Andrew Davis.
The Cooper Tires Championship Series test continues Tuesday, with the second of three days of testing.
For additional information on the Formula Ford Zetec Championship and the Cooper Tires Championship Series, please contact Michelle Kish (973) 575-2626 or visit www.usf2000.com.
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