INDYCAR SERIES COMPLETES FIRST PRACTICE DAY FOR SUNDAY'S HONDA INDY TORONTO

National Guard Panther Racing Driver Finishes 20th on Streets of Toronto Speed Chart

TORONTO, Canada (July 16, 2010) – The IZOD IndyCar Series invaded the Streets of Toronto today during the first day of practice for Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto, where a total of 26 cars turned laps on the 11-turn, 1.755-mile circuit. National Guard Panther Racing driver Dan Wheldon turned a total of 51 laps during the two practice sessions and posted a top lap time of 1:03.7328 seconds, 99.133 mph.

“The National Guard Panther Racing boys worked really hard all day and we were able to try a lot of things on the No. 4 car,” Wheldon said. “We might not be quite where we want on the speed chart right now, but fortunately we learned a lot today and will go over the data tonight and be even better tomorrow.“

On Sunday prior to the race, Wheldon will be honored with Firestone Racing’s ”Tire-ific Move of the Race” for his efforts during the last IndyCar Series race at Watkins Glen International Raceway. Following each race, Firestone nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firehawk tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. During the Watkins Glen event, Wheldon overcame contact early in the race and battled back for a sixth-place finish.

IZOD driver Ryan Hunter-Reay paced the day’s practice session and was followed on the final speed chart by Justin Wilson and Helio Castroneves.

“We’re making a lot of gains out there,” Dan concluded. “And we feel confident that we’re going to improve in practice and qualifying tomorrow.”

The Honda Indy Toronto, where the race will be broadcast live Sunday, July 18th at 12:30 p.m. (EST) on ABC with additional coverage provided by the IMS Radio Network, www.indycar.com, XM Channel 145 and Sirius channel 211.

www.danwheldon.com - www.pantherracing.com – www.NationalGuard.com