Tagliani Successfully Completes Test At Texas Motor Speedway

[Mark H]

After a day of waiting on Monday for track weepers to dry at Texas Motor Speedway, Alex Tagliani and the Lotus test team were ready to hit the 1.5-mile oval on Tuesday.

The test marked the second chance in as many months for the Canadian driver to continue learning the new features of the Lotus-powered Dallara DW12. With only three install laps completed on day one, the second outing brought better results as the Lotus test team, comprised of members from Team Barracuda – BHA, Lotus HVM Racing and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, completed 132 incident-free laps.

“Overall, I think it was a good day,” said Tagliani. “For our first time on an oval in the new car, we learned some amazing things. Of course, we still have some work to do and we didn’t have as much speed as we would have liked, but every time I came into the pits with a change, the guys were able to make it happen.

“I am so thankful and proud to be working with this amazing group of guys. Plus, this is the track where Todd [Malloy] and I had a great event last season, so we kind of started today where we left off.”

Tagliani also noted that the Lotus group was helpful and positive. He added, “They were receptive to the things we need to improve. It’s great to work with people like that.”

Now, it’s onto the next test with an exciting twist. The official unveiling of the Team Barracuda – BHA car is scheduled for next Tuesday, February 28, during the team’s test at Barber Motorsports Park. Media is encouraged to attend. After that, Tagliani and his crew head to the IZOD IndyCar Series open test in Sebring, FL.

On March 25, the season kicks off on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL, where Tagliani has his sights set on Victory Lane. Fans can watch all the action live on ABC.