Taylor has first IRL run with Panther
Mark Taylor, the new Infiniti Pro Series champion, had his first run in an IRL IndyCar yesterday (Wednesday), completing 150 laps of Texas Motor Speedway for the crack Panther Racing team
The Briton, who dominated the IRL's feeder category driving for Panther, is one of a number of drivers being considered by the team to replace double champion Sam Hornish Jr, who is departing for Penske at the end of the year.
"It's a great opportunity to drive the Panther IRL car," said Taylor, who conducted set-up and aerodynamic work for the team. "The extra power and grip is quite something. The Infiniti Pro Series has helped me make the transition and I felt very comfortable, very quickly. Someone pointed out that our time today would have put us on pole for the IRL race here earlier in the year which is quite surprising. It's been a great experience and I am confident I can run the car well in races."
Although no times from the test were released, Taylor was able to lap comfortably in the 219mph bracket, running close to the pace achieved by Hornish, who tested on Tuesday.
"Mark did a great job," said Panther co-owner Mike Griffin, "he took to it like a duck to water and to be honest it is what we have come to expect from him, he is a quick learner and adapted very well. The Infiniti Pro Series has stood him in good stead for the next step."
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