Press Release from yesterday's first IndyCar test

Kimball Completes First IZOD IndyCar Series Test at Barber

Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie driver Charlie Kimball completed their first test on Tuesday, March 1st at Barber Motorsports Park.

Kimball, who was announced December 16th in Indianapolis as the driver of the No. 83 Levemir® and NovoLog® FlexPen® Honda Dallara, tested the 2.38-mile permanent road course and turned his first laps in an Indy car.

“Charlie’s first test in an Indy car went great,” said Team Manger Mitch Davis. “He remained focused and professional throughout the practice. It was like he had been driving Indy cars for years and we were very impressed. Once we scrubbed off a few laps and Charlie got up to speed, we continued to get faster as the team made adjustments toward the end of practice. By the end of the day, we had met all of our expectations and felt accomplished.”

Kimball, turned 58 laps with a best time of 1:12.300.

“Completing my first test with Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing reminded me how grateful I am to be a part of this team,” said Kimball, who will compete for IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2011. “The crew allowed me to focus on turning my first laps and getting up to speed, which is exactly what we did. Overall, I’m thrilled with the results from the test and I can’t wait to get back in the car.”

Up next for Kimball and the team is the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test on March 14-15 at Barber Motorsports Park.