Conquest Racing Set to Test at Homestead
With unification happening at such the last minute a year ago and a 2008 schedule that was pretty much non-stop, the off-season was welcomed by all. The crew and engineering staff were able to take the time to look back in detail at the last season in order to see what worked, what didn’t work and what needed improvement.
Already showing a higher performance level at the last few races of the season, the team is extra motivated heading into this year after all the work that has been done over the winter months.
“We learned a lot over the course of 2008 and we’ve been pretty busy working on developments that will enhance the team’s performance in 2009," said team owner Eric Bachelart. “Now we’re looking forward to evaluating them on track as we continue to prepare for the start of the season in less than two months."
While the team continues to work on finalizing their 2009 driver line-up, Conquest Racing has elected to put 2008 driver Jaime Camara back in the #34 Conquest car for the Homestead test. The Brazilian competed in 14 races for the team last season and is familiar with the Conquest environment.
“We wanted to put someone in the car that knew how we worked, knew our car and would be able to help us evaluate the development we have done," explained Bachelart. “Since he drove a majority of ovals for us last year, Jaime was the perfect fit."
“I’m really happy that Conquest Racing has asked me to drive for them at the Homestead test next week," expressed Camara. “I truly enjoyed being a part of this team last season. I know that they have been working hard over the winter to improve the car's performance and I look forward to being able to help them with their development work during the Homestead test."
The IndyCar Series' first open test of the season takes place at Homestead-Miami Speedway on February 24 and 25 with practice from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days. The IndyCar Series' 2009 season kicks off with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on April 5.