Joel Miller – Driving the Atlantic Car

Buttonwillow, Calif. (September 19, 2007) – On the way to the circuit yesterday morning is when it really set in that I was finally going to be able to drive an Atlantic car. None of this would have been possible if it were not for the Team USA Scholarship and the people at USRaceTronics, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Champ Car, Cosworth USA and Cooper Tires.

Before the test I spoke with various Atlantic drivers about the car, and the biggest point they mentioned was the braking pressure required. In the first session I concentrated on getting the most out of the brakes. Throughout the day my lap times were improving with every lap around the track. However, with every lap around the track my neck became more and more fatigued. The USRaceTronics team told me that drivers’ necks are usually the first to go on their rookie test, but I was not going to let this get in the way.

In the afternoon, the team manager and engineer decided to practice qualifying runs. Pat and I conducted a series of one-timed-lap runs which forces a driver to go out and get the job done right away. This training exercise brought about the end of our day at Buttonwillow. Considering the warm conditions, I was able to put together competitive times when compared to regular series drivers.

I have to thank everybody who supports the Team USA Scholarship for giving me this opportunity to test the Champ Car Atlantic in preparation for the Formula Palmer Audi races later this year in England.