Catchfence

Kansas City, KS (April 28, 2010)- Conquest Racing rookies, Mario Romancini and Bertrand Baguette, will get their first chance to run an IZOD IndyCar Series car on an oval when they participate in the all-rookie oval test at Kansas Speedway on Wednesday.  The two Conquest drivers will be joined by fellow IZOD IndyCar Series rookies Takuma Sato and Simona de Silvestro in the day of testing that was originally scheduled for April 23 but was postponed because of rain.  The Road Runner Turbo 300 race itself will take place this weekend at Kansas Speedway

“It’s a bummer that the test was rained out last week, especially since I was already on my way to Kansas for the test when I found out!” said Romancini, who was waiting in the Dallas airport for a connecting flight to Kansas City when he received the news.  “When it comes to Mother Nature there is not much you can do. But at least we will still be able to test on Wednesday, and maybe it is even an advantage for us since it is just a few days before the race.”

Romancini, who competed on several ovals last season with Andersen Racing in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, will be the only rookie at the test with any oval racing experience.   During the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Series, Romancini claimed two victories on oval tracks, one on the Milwaukee Mile and another at Homestead/Miami Speedway.  Last season in Kansas, Romancini started sixth and finished on the podium in third.

“I am really looking forward to the start of oval racing this season and competing in an (IZOD) IndyCar (Series car),” commented Romancini of his return to oval racing.  “I got used to the ovals very quickly last year, and I am hoping to have some good performances this year as well.  The race in Kansas last season was my first time competing on an oval and I was able to finish third, so for sure I have some good memories of that place.”

Baguette, who has not driven an oval in his career, is also excited to tackle the challenge of oval racing and will be looking to benefit from the advice of this more experienced teammate.

“I am counting on Mario to give me the right direction on ovals,” said Baguette.  “I think I will need his advice, especially for the races, because that will surely be the toughest moment of the weekend, learning to race with other cars around me. “

Despite the rain last week, Baguette and his engineer were able to hop on track in a rental car to give the Belgian driver an idea of what to expect from his first oval experience.

The rookie test will take place from 1 to 5pm local time on Wednesday, April 28 with the rest of the field joining on Friday in preparation for the May 1 running of the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway.  The race will be broadcast live starting at 1:30 ET on ABC.

- Conquest Racing, Press Release