Team KOOL Green looks to Homestead

Just about everything is new for Team KOOL Green as the crew prepares to open the PPG CART World Series season next weekend in Homestead, Fla., for the Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami - a primary sponsor, new driver, new engine, new tires as well as the return of its chief mechanic.

Throw in an accelerated winter testing program and the desire to improve on last season's disappointing starts by team and driver and things might look differently this year.

"I feel better prepared for this event that I have in years, both physically and mentally,'' Johnstone said. "We're really happy with the car at this point, in terms of it's predictability and how well it runs in traffic. I have a lot of confidence in the team, and they have a lot in me, so that eliminates a lot of the pressure - especially since our testing has prepared a solid, consistent car for race day.''

Team Green won the race in 1995 when Jacques Villeneuve came from eighth to win on the Miami Street circuit. At Homestead in 1996, neither Team Green or Johnstone made much noise. Team Green finished 14th with Raul Boesel driving. And Johnstone didn't qualify thanks to a pre-qualifying accident. But the team placed eighth out of 28 teams in Spring Training and has a good feeling about next weekend.

"Our strategy for this race, and for the first part of the season really, is to be conservative,'' said team owner Barry Green. "We're not approaching Homestead looking for a win. We are focusing on maintaining a consistently fast car that finishes races in the top of the field. That's what counts long-term with regard to the championship and we're keeping that in perspective.''