IndyCar Series Set for Testing Feb. 24-25

The Homestead-Miami Speedway will host two days of pre-season open testing for the IndyCar Series this week.  The track will be available from 4:00pm to 10:00pm ET on Tuesday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 25.  The Firestone Indy Lights will share the track with their own testing on Tuesday morning.  The support division also had a test session for rookies on Monday.

"It's definitely important for me and Panther Racing in particular, because we've got to figure out where we need to improve as a group so when the season starts we're very, very strong," said Dan Wheldon, the 2005 series champion, who joins Panther Racing after three seasons with Target Chip Ganassi Racing. "Those first few races for points are very, very important. We're not taking it lightly by any stretch. We're going to work very hard to make sure we come out of the blocks swinging."

Dario Franchitti is returning to the IndyCar Series after last year's foray into NASCAR.  Franchitti had a disappointing year after being injured at Talladega in May.  Meanwhile, NASCAR driver Stanton Barrett intends to compete in Indy cars this year.

For more information, including the schedule and participant list, hop over to IndyCar.com.

The first IndyCar race of the season is scheduled for April 5 -- the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (FL).