Catchfence

Team Completes First Full Practice Day in Preparations for Grand Prix of Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. – (April 16, 2010) – National Guard Panther Racing driver Dan Wheldon completed the first full day of practice in preparations for Sunday’s Grand Prix of Long Beach, finishing in the 16^th position amongst the 25 competitors entered in the event. Wheldon is returning to the Streets on Long Beach, where last season he captured his first Top Five finish as a member of Panther Racing.

The team completed a total of 41 laps on the day, posting a top lap speed of 98.517 mph, 1:11.9148 seconds.

This will be both Panther and Wheldon’s second year of participation in Long Beach, the 36^th annual running of the historic open-wheel event. Wheldon captured a fifth-place result last season after starting in 14^th position, and avoided two near accidents – including contact with Marco Andretti late in the race.

Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay paced the field during the day, and was followed by Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan on the speed chart.

Dan Wheldon, No. 4 National Guard Dallara Honda

“The National Guard Panther Racing guy continue to work really hard and we were able to try a lot of different things on the No. 4 car today. From what we learned today we’ve put ourselves in a position to run well tomorrow in practice and certainly for qualifications.”

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will be broadcast live on VERSUS at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) with additional coverage provided by XM Channel 145, Sirius 211, and IndyCar.com.

- Panther Racing, Press Release