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2012 Sebring Testing

Topics: Ed Carpenter

2012 Sebring Testing

Tom Blattler
Ed Carpenter Racing
March 14, 2012

March 14th 2012 - The smile was wide on Ed Carpenter’s face Friday afternoon at Sebring International Raceway.

Not only was the Kentucky IZOD IndyCar Series race winner back in the driver’s seat for the first time in five months, but the new team owner saw a solid team effort in his squad’s first presentation at the track in 2012 with the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chrevrolet-powered machine.

Carpenter, the only owner/driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series this year, had a lot on his plate during the off-season as the Butler University grad worked with general manager Derrick Walker in constructing a strong contingent of team members and equipment.

But, overall, the Ed Carpenter Racing operation established a solid foundation in its first two days of testing in 2012 at the shorter Sebring layout.

“All in all, it was a good two-day start for the team,” said Carpenter, whose team presented an impressive look from car to equipment to transporter. “We had a few hiccups during the two days but we wanted to get in some testing for the car, engine and the crew. We missed some time each day with a couple of teething pains as everything was new. You always want to be better, but for the amount of new stuff that we’re dealing with, from the car, to the engine to all the new people, I was encouraged by the team effort this week.”

Carpenter was pleased with his new team’s organization at Sebring.

“The way everyone worked together didn’t seem like it was the first days on the job at the track for everybody,” he said. “It’s pretty huge for a young team to get on the track for the first time. We’re still going to be behind for a little bit, but that’s not an excuse at this point. We have to do a good job and work as a group and try to be efficient to get up to speed as quickly as we can. Now, we’ll move to Barber (Motorsports Park) for two days next week to learn more about the new car. I think the car will be fun to race this year.”

Carpenter recorded 108 laps in the two days with a best clocking of 53.476 seconds for an average speed of 112..423 m.p.h.