[Bob Tanner]

Reprinted from JAYSKI, 15Sep06:

"IndyCars to Test at Daytona: The IndyCar Series and Daytona International Speedway announced plans for a compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway on Sept. 26 and 27. The test will feature 2006 IndyCar Series Champion Sam Hornish, Jr.,; 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona and 2003 IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon and 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona Champion and 2005 IndyCar Series Champion Dan Wheldon. Third-generation racer and 2006 Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti and 2004 IndyCar Series Champ and teammate Tony Kanaan and Vitor Meira will also take part in the test. The visit will allow IndyCar Series officials to determine the possibility of Daytona International Speedway serving as a preseason testing venue. The compatibility test will allow series officials to see transitions onto the banking, tire wear/side loads and braking zones while looking for any challenging surface areas on the track. The IndyCar Series officials have analyzed data from Chip Ganassi Racing and Cheever Racing Rolex Sports Car Series programs that indicate IndyCar Series cars should have no issues. The test will take place on the 2.73-mile tri-oval and road course which includes ten turns. The IndyCar Series and its teams will conduct the on-track activity with support from the Daytona facilities crew. For track services, Daytona will tap the experience and knowledge available from International Speedway Corporation's (ISC) other facilities with IndyCar Series events, which include Homestead-Miami Speedway, Watkins Glen International, Richmond International Raceway, Kansas Speedway and Michigan International Speedway.(DIS PR)(9-14-2006)"

Indy-type cars return to Daytona after 47 years? This could wind up being BIG news for both NASCAR AND IRL.

IRL needs a massive injection of public awareness. If this test proves out (and it will) could an Indy race be added to the Rolex part of Speed Weeks? An IRL contest would be a plus for both IRL and IMSA/SCCA. Plus, we've seen Junior, Tony, Kyle and others run in the Rolex 24 hour race...? Super Juan is coming to NASCAR next season, Paul Tracey will be involved in NASCAR, hmmm...? I wonder if Junior or Jeffie'd get into an IRL machine...? The possibilities boggle my mind.

[simple simon]

to have an IRL sanctioned event at Daytona maybe the week before the 500 would be huge

problem is, do they have the room in the garage area ?

dont they already have the Nextel and Busch cars in there ?

seems it would be a little crowded

and sure, i could see Tony and John Andretti involved, Robby Gordon as well.........but, with the lack of experience in open wheel cars, i doubt sponsors and owners would let Jr and Gordo out there......though that would probably increase the draw in a big way

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by simple simon

to have an IRL sanctioned event at Daytona maybe the week before the 500 would be huge

problem is, do they have the room in the garage area ?

dont they already have the Nextel and Busch cars in there ?

seems it would be a little crowded

and sure, i could see Tony and John Andretti involved, Robby Gordon as well.........but, with the lack of experience in open wheel cars, i doubt sponsors and owners would let Jr and Gordo out there......though that would probably increase the draw in a big way

The Rolex Week is a week prior to the NASCAR cars getting there. As far as garage space goes...? I guess they could flip each other with wet gym towels and the winner would get the garage?

Jeffie-Pooh has lots of experience in open wheeled and even tested Juan Pablo's F1 car at Indy a few years back. Bud let Jr. run the Rolex 24 the last...? three years? My general feeling is that if Bud or Pepsi (Jeffie's major backer) could get their logos promoted, they'd sign on to letting their boys enter a caged, no rules, to-the-death hog calling contest!

[simple simon]

well i hope youre right

hell it would be so cool just to maybe see 3 generations of Andretti's out there

i could see Micheal putting Jeffy into the wall so Marco could win

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by simple simon

i could see Micheal putting Jeffy into the wall so Marco could win

http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp...p=ZNxpt237YYUS

[thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by simple simon

well i hope youre right

hell it would be so cool just to maybe see 3 generations of Andretti's out there

i could see Micheal putting Jeffy into the wall so Marco could win

I would pay to see that. As long as all that got hurt was a butt load of pride and respect

[wingkey1]

This "test" or whatever occurred 15 months ago. Anyone know what outcome was? Can't find anything. Obviously did not result in a "go" for last or this year.