IRL News: Castroneves Fastest During Day One of IndyCar Series Testing at Daytona

The Open Test at Daytona International Speedway marks the first time all IndyCar Series competitors will run on the 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine fueled by 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol

The IndyCar Series is testing at DIS. Photo courtsey: daytona500.com

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The IndyCar Series kicked off a two-day spring training test session at historic Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday.

The roar of 17 IndyCar Series teams can be heard throughout a 2.73-mile road course at the "The World Center of Racing."

The teams are using the two-day test at DIS to prep for the five road/street course events on the 2007 IndyCar Series schedule.

The preseason test is the second visit for the IndyCar Series to Daytona International Speedway.

Last September, the IndyCar Series held a compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway with four teams - Chip Ganassi Racing, Penske Racing, Panther Racing and Andretti Green Racing.

Said Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan during the lunch break: "I walked into this place in September, it was my first time ever here, and I was pretty impressed. Again, last night when I walked in the gate, it always gives you that passion like it's Daytona. You're in Daytona."

First lap:

Scott Sharp, driver of the No. 8 Rahal Letterman Racing Dallara Honda, was the first driver to complete a lap during the first day of testing.

All teams on ethanol:

The Open Test at Daytona International Speedway marks the first time all IndyCar Series competitors will run on the 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine fueled by 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol.

The IndyCar series is the first in motorsports to embrace a renewable fuel source.

Seat problems for Danica:

Andretti Green Racing's Danica Patrick turned only one lap during the Wednesday morning session due to difficulties with her driver's seat.

From the Rolex 24 to IndyCar:

Adaptation will be the name of the game this week for top IndyCar Series drivers as they make the transition from sports cars to open-wheel IndyCars.

Dan Wheldon, Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves, Sam Hornish Jr., Scott Sharp, Darren Manning, Ed Carpenter and Tomas Scheckter are participating in the two-day testing session just after competing in last weekend's Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Testing continues:

IndyCar Series testing continues on Thursday and is open to the public.

Fans can purchase a special DAYTONA USA $10 tram tour ticket and view all the testing action at the NEXTEL FANZONE.

Morning Speeds:

1. Helio Castroneves, 133.542 mph

2. Tony Kanaan, 132.473

3. Scott Dixon, 132.417

4. Sam Hornish Jr., 132.387

5. Dan Wheldon, 132.144

6. Dario Franchitti, 131.756

7. Marco Andretti, 130.565

8. Vitor Meira, 130.474

9. Jeff Simmons, 129.785

10. Scott Sharp, 128.495

11. Darren Manning, 128.457

12. Ed Carpenter, 126.390

13. Buddy Rice, 125.570

14. A.J. Foyt IV, 120.527

15. Kosuke Matsuura, 117.223

16. Danica Patrick, 79.400

Adding comments to these stories has been disabled. View the current sports stories Salem-News Sports