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ATLANTIC: Jeff Shafer Impressive in Toyota Atlantic Test for Arciero-Wells

10 March 1998

Las Vegas, NV: 1996 Team Green Academy winner Jeff Shafer successfully tested the PPI/Arciero-Wells MCI Toyota Atlantic car on March 2nd at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, AZ. Shafer drove 87 laps on the 1.6-Mile road course in the new prototype Swift Chassis, which will make its competitive debut at the Long Beach Grand Prix in April. The session served a double purpose, as it tested both the driver and the new chassis.

"We were very impressed with Jeff's talent and ability," commented Arciero-Wells Atlantic team manager Nick Harvey. "In fact, we have asked Jeff to do two more days of testing in mid-March at Buttonwillow."

"It's a thrill and an honor to work with a leading team like PPI/Arciero- Wells," comments Shafer. "What I can learn by being around these types of people is invaluable to my career. Plus, this is an incredible opportunity to drive a new car that very few others have driven."

This test marks the second time in the last three months that Shafer has driven an Atlantic car for a prominent team. In December, he had another impressive outing while driving for Bill Fickling at Buttonwillow.

"It's nice to be back in an Atlantic car. We had a deal with Bill Fickling's P1 Racing, but it fell apart in early January for sponsorship reasons. However, I am working hard to put together an alternate Atlantics program for 1998."

In addition to his efforts in securing a ride in the Toyota Atlantic Championship, Shafer's plans include competing in the USAC/SCCA Formula 2000 Series during 1998 for the Highcroft Race Team. Driving the new Bowman chassis for the first time, Jeff finished 7th at Orlando in January and will next race on the 1-Mile oval at Phoenix in March.