Hynes and Firman get PacWest chance

The test, at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, will see one of the three get the nod for a drive with the reigning champion team.

"Obviously coming off a championship last season, we have very high expectations for our team this year," said team manager Paul 'Ziggy' Harcus. "PacWest is once again committed to a two-car program. We're excited about the abilities of all of these drivers, and hopefully one of them will step up and answer the challenge. I have no doubt that with the terrific staff we have on hand, we're capable of putting together two of the most competitive cars on the track."

Hynes and Firman have both won the British F3 championship in their careers, Hynes beating F1 drivers Jenson Button and Luciano Burti in his title year. Firman has spent the past two years racing in Formula Nippon, while Hynes was hoping to get the BAR test driving deal. American Jeff Simmons has raced in Lights this year with Team Kool Green's Indy Lights squad as team mate to Jonny Kane, another former British F3 Champion.

"PacWest is very committed to our Lights program as we believe it is an integral part of the Champcar series and the overall development of young talent," said PacWest owner Bruce McCaw. "Dan Wheldon, and the other contenders for the second ride have all proven to be strong drivers and competitors and we believe PacWest can once again contend for the title in 2001."