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Teams test at Homestead

Several leading IRL IndyCar Series teams had their first taste of the reconfigured Homestead-Miami Speedway, in a test at the Florida oval on November 19-20

The oval has been rebuilt with radical variable angle banking to improve the racing. At the midpoint of each turn, there are 18 degrees of banking at the bottom, 19 degrees in the middle and 20 degrees at the top.

Six drivers from five teams took the opportunity to run at the 1.5-mile oval. Briton Dan Wheldon was in action for Andretti Green, with new champion Scott Dixon running for Ganassi. Tomas Scheckter tested for his new team, Panther Racing, while Scott Sharp ran for Kelley Racing and Penske ran both Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr.

Times from the test were not released, although it was anticipated that the IndyCars would lap the track 20-25mph faster than in its previous configuration.

Brian Barnhart, the IRL's senior vice president of racing operations, supervised the test.

"This test was conducted so we could evaluate the reconfigured Homestead-Miami Speedway, as it's obviously a lot different from when we last raced there in March," said Barnhart. "With all the changes, this is basically a new facility for the IndyCar Series, even though we've raced here since 2001.

"Our teams, drivers, manufacturers and league officials gathered valuable data to ensure that the IndyCar Series can put on the best race for the fans, as well as a competitive and safe environment for everyone."

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