Jonathan Macri and P-1 Racing-NTN Bearings/Miller Genuine Draft Swift 014.a completed testing last week. The second of two test-dates, Macri took his new Swift 014.a through its paces on the Phoenix oval.
“P-1 Racing had some strong results on ovals last season,” Jonathan said. “All three cars did well here last year, placing 4th, 6th and 7th. Testing at Phoenix went well. We knew the track, so we tried to focus on developing the car’s performance and testing it for bugs. For my part, I tried to get comfortable in the new car. It’s pretty smooth and handles well. It was definitely good preparation for the Milwaukee Mile. Racing the Milwaukee oval should reflect positively on our successful test preparation at Phoenix.”
A week prior to testing at Phoenix, Jonathan and P-1 Racing were in Portland, Oregon, for their first test-date since the running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. It was the team’s first time at Portland International Speedway since 1987 and, consequently, Jonathan’s first drive on the Portland road course, all in preparation for round five of the 2002 Atlantic Championship June 15th.
“We put in some good testing at PIR,” Jonathan said. “Initially, I focused on increasing my comfort level on the track seeing as it was my first time running there. By the second day of testing, I felt really comfortable on the track and we got better as the day progressed thanks to the team’s really good work in setting up the car and with my Driver Coach Kenny Wilden. We definitely have a good base-line to work with at Portland.”
Testing has been especially crucial for all Atlantic teams in 2002. The heavy race schedule that resumes with the Milwaukee Mile on June 2nd leaves little room for testing in between races. Having tested successfully the new Swift 014.a on both an oval and a road course, Jonathan Macri and P-1 Racing are confident that they will be in contention to challenge for podium positions and the Championship.
Report by Fedele Fortino
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