Justin Wilson and Dale Coyne Prepare for 2.01/4 (Update)
02/15/14
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| Dale Coyne helps to shoehorn in Justin Wilson |
Plainfield, Illinois – No, it is not a typo. When you are preparing for the 2014 IndyCar season with a driver that is nearly 2.0 meters tall (6’ 3.5" to be exact) and new safety regulations require you to add 1/4 inch of side intrusion panels, it takes some fitting.
Justin Wilson was in the Chicago based shop of Dale Coyne Racing last week to prepare for the upcoming test in the Dallara DW-12. Part of that preparation was fitting the talented and lanky Brit into the tub with the safer side intrusion panels that have been mandated this winter.
“It has made it a little bit tighter. We had to make a couple of adjustments for elbow room so I can turn the wheel," commented Justin. “All in all, it will help driver safety and everyone is trying to learn and make the cars safer every day."
The panels are a part of safety precautions partially precipitated from Justin’s crash at the 2013 IndyCar finale in Fontana, California. The team will be testing next week in Sebring which represents the first time out for Justin in an IndyCar since Fontana. “I feel 100%. I am totally healed and recovered and back to full fitness. The injuries I had will not affect me in any way going forward. I am excited for the new season and look forward to doing a great job this year."
The 2014 IndyCar season will be Justin’s 4th with Dale Coyne Racing and after wins in 2009 and 2012, the team has put together many pieces to repeat its winning ways. “We have made a lot of changes this off season and I feel we are in a better place than we have ever been and looking forward to the new season," reported Dale Coyne.
The team has added Team Manger Darren Crouser, expanded its engineering department and hired race and championship winning engineer Michael Cannon for the engineering duties on Justin’s #19 entry.
“Michael Cannon and I have really hit it off while working at the shop and when speaking on the phone. I have confidence we will work well together after our time at the shop this week," Justin commented. “All in all, I’m really happy with the direction of the team. Dale is very motivated to go out there and have a competitive team. It is very exciting."
The team now heads to Sebring, Florida where they will be testing on Monday and Wednesday next week. Efforts continue for the second car and the #18 will be joining the fray at its test in early March.