SPARTA, Ky., Monday, July 30, 2001 - Chris Menninga passed his Indy
Racing rookie test July 27 at Kentucky Speedway.
Under the observation of Indy Racing League Technical Manager Mark
Bridges, Menninga completed the four speed phases of the test in less
than 70 laps with a top speed of 212.2 mph on the 1.5-mile oval. A
rookie driver is required to run 10 consistent laps at each of four
speed levels.
Menninga, 26, drove the No. 92 Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone car, which
was driven earlier this season by Stan Wattles.
"He got right with the program after he warmed it up and settled in,"
Bridges said. "He used his head. He can communicate real well. He can
give feedback on what the car is doing."
Menninga, from Austin, Texas, ran 66 laps July 25 preparing for the
test, which was originally scheduled for July 26 but postponed due to
rain.
Menninga competed in Indy Lights in 1999-2000 and was a teammate
to Indy Racing Northern Light Series Rookie of the Year leader Felipe
Giaffone last year with Conquest Racing. Menninga ranked second in laps
and miles completed on ovals in Indy Lights competition in 1999 while
driving for Conquest.
