Brazilian Racing News: Castro Neves and Kanaan to Do CART Test
22 October 1997
The Brazilian driver Helio Castro Neves and Tony Kanaan will test the Lola car that Tasman ran for most of this season. It will be the first opportunity that either driver has had to test a car from the CART series. Both Brazilians, the champion and the second place driver of this year's Indy-Lights championship, are very excited about this first experience. "I will try to learn as much as possible in this test, and I will also try to observe as much as I can. I am not worried with times. This is the Lola chassis, not the Reynard, and this will be just a test" said Kanaan, who will race for Tasman in CART series in 1998. "I am very excited with this test. I want to add this experience to my curriculum, so maybe when I get my ride for next season, I will know somethings better. This will be my first experience with such a powerful engine pushing me. Emerson will announce my future in mid November." said Helio Castro Neves, second in this year's Indy-Lights series. Tasman will also take test in Phoenix to watch 2 drivers who will run next year for Tasman in Indy-Lights: Cristiano da Matta and Airton Dare. Cristiano was this year's rookie of the season and is one of the favorites to take the 1998 Indy-Lights Championship again to Brazil. Airton Dare, has a strong sponsor and is still learning. He is just in his second year of car racing. Both driver's competed for Brian Stewart this year and will be next year in Tasman. Oswaldo Negri Jr. and Felipe Giaffone are having talks to many Indy-Lights teams to get a ride for next year.