Speed impresses Cheever

Speed, 21, who drove one of Red Bull Cheever Racing's Dallara chassis during Toyota's engine evaluation test at Sebring, is part of the Red Bull junior team. The American won the energy drinks company's driver search competition in 2002.

"His driving skills were very impressive, especially for a racer at such a young age," said team owner Eddie Cheever Jr. "His performance and feedback were excellent. It was a great opportunity to have him test his skills in another application and compare those skills to existing IndyCar drivers. We will continue to evaluate him with an eye on the future."

Speed, who drove for Alan Docking in British Formula 3 last season, and is aiming to find a seat in GP2 for 2005 but admitted he liked the feel of the IRL machinery.

"The test was really surprising," he said. "It was my first time driving an IndyCar so I didn't know what to expect, but the car handled really well and was a very powerful package to drive compared to the Formula Renault cars. I worked really well with the whole Red Bull Cheever Racing team and had an awesome experience."

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Speed impresses Cheever

German Formula Renault and Eurocup champion Scott Speed impressed on his IRL IndyCar Series debut test, according to team owner and former Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever