Hinchcliffe nips Matos in Putnam test
James Hinchcliffe (#9 NOCO/ProWorks) 1:01:36 355 miles over two days
Raphael Matos (#6 ProWorks) 1:01:44 306 miles over two days
Team Manager Richard Raeder chose this location for the test to allow the team to prepare itself for the upcoming Mazda Grand Prix of Portland road course:
“This test was beneficial because it allowed us to test in warmer conditions than we have experienced so far this season. We were able to get in a lot of miles and both drivers posted the quickest times throughout the two days. We’re very happy with what we learned as well as the results of both drivers," said Raeder. “I’m pleased that we were able to test among some of our strongest contenders [Newman-Wachs, Polestar and Matheson] and continue to out-pace them."
The Sierra Sierra team is headed west to Portland for rounds 4 and 5 of the Champ Car Atlantic Powered by Mazda Championship series. With its drivers in 1st (Matos) and 3rd (Hinchcliffe), the team is working to maintain the success it’s seen early in the season and is looking forward to getting back out on the track:
“The test for us went really well. I really enjoy testing on proper road circuits, just because you really get to push the car and see what its outright potential is. We obviously had a good street course setup, but it was important for us to test on a road course as we had to tracks like Portland and Tremblant. Putnam is similar to both these tracks as they all have fast corners and smooth surfaces. Portland has long, fast corners that are pretty unique to any track in the US, but I think my crew and engineer, Dave Buschemeyer, have put together a really good car. Well that's the plan anyway! It is just going to be so nice to race again!
The Mazda Grand Prix of Portland will take place June 8th to 10th and will be aired (tape-delayed) on ESPN2 on June 18th – 5:00pm EST. Sierra Sierra PR