Penske Turns First Laps at Daytona with Acura DPi

Photo: Daytona International Speedway

Following Mazda Team Joest’s two-day test, Acura Team Penske has arrived at Daytona International Speedway for the first running of its Acura ARX-05 on the Florida high banks, in preparation for January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

All four of the team’s full-season drivers were present for the two-day test on Thursday and Friday.

It comes ahead of an IMSA test at Daytona on Dec. 5-6 in which all new or modified cars, including the Acura DPi, are required to take part.

No major issues have been reported with the car after this week’s running and Juan Pablo Montoya has praised the team’s success so far.

“I think the reliability of the car has been unbelievable,” he said. “We have no issues. Acura came out with an engine that just runs.

“It’s great to see and I think it’s very important. Pace, we’ve still got to work on it a little more, but I think it’s still early days for the car.”

Helio Castroneves explains that part of the test has been in order to help he and Montoya get more accustomed to the car and learn from teammates Ricky Taylor and Dane Cameron who have much more experience in sports cars than the open wheel aces.

“Ricky and Dane, they are champions in the series,” Castroneves said. “Actually, they have more experience than me and Juan Pablo as well.

“We like having them as a reference to learn details. We’re talking about traction control, we’re talking about power steering, I mean, there’s a lot of things that, in IndyCar, we don’t use.

“So now, going through that transition, I’m glad to have those guys to be able to smooth it out. I’m excited. I’ve got the champ in my car, and Juan Pablo also has a champ in his car.

“It’s fun. We’re the older guys, but at the same time, we’re rookies. There’s nothing wrong with learning, always, and especially with those guys.”

Graham Rahal, who will join the team for Daytona and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, was also present on Friday.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.