Catchfence

“Thinking Back Shows How Drivers Have Advanced”

Indianapolis, Indiana (October 5, 2009) – Ask E.J. Viso or Robert Doornbos about Homestead-Miami Speedway and each will automatically think back to his first time there. For both HVM Racing drivers, Homestead was their first time driving on an oval track – an experience both recall as a bit strange. After spending their racing careers in leagues that only ran on road courses, the whole “just turn left” thing was new and very different.

Viso was introduced to the Homestead oval in March 2008, the first race of the IndyCar Series season. He had just signed on with HVM Racing after the former Champ Car team entered the newly unified Indy Racing League.

“When I think of Homestead, a lot of things come to mind,” recalled Viso. “That’s a funny track because as soon as I signed on to IndyCar, three days later was my first race ever and that was in Homestead. It was crazy.”

Doornbos at least had the benefit of being initiated to the oval during a test, not an actual race. He got behind the wheel of an IndyCar at Homestead at the series’ spring-training session earlier this year.

“It’s my first oval I ever tested on – I haven’t raced there yet,” said Doornbos. “And, coming from Europe, I remember having white knuckles for the first couple of laps and thinking, ‘What’s this all about?’”

It didn’t take long for both drivers to get comfortable with the new track shape, though. Both went on to secure Top-10 finishes on an oval within their first few months in IndyCar. And they both now say racing in the round is fun.

“To go back to Homestead now with some experience, knowing what I need and like on ovals regarding set-up and racing, I will feel more confident and look forward to having a great race,” said Doornbos.

“I definitely have a good memory of that track and I’m looking forward to going back and racing there,” said Viso.

HVM is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. In its eight years of competition, the team has earned six wins, two pole positions, and an additional 16 podiums since 2001. The team finished fourth and third, respectively, in the Champ Car championship standings in 2006 and 2007, and earned its drivers Mario Dominguez and Robert Doornbos Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and 2007, respectively. In 2008 with driver E.J. Viso, the team earned seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth at St. Petersburg in its inaugural year in the IRL Championship.

For more information on HVM Racing, visit www.hvmracing.com.

- Press Release