By Andrew Cutler
February 25 2009

Yesterday was day two of the IRL's first preseason test, at the 1.5 mile Homestead-Miami Speedway. The teams of the Firstone Indy Lights Series wrapped up their two day program with a nearly seven hour session during the morning/early afternoon. Once again, rookie driver Pippa Mann topped the speed charts, notching a lap at 187.726 mph.

Then the IndyCar Series squads took to the track in the evening, running from 4pm-10pm, under the lights - just as they will at this track in the season finale in October. Twenty-one drivers took to the track, with defending series champion Scott Dixon setting the mark with a lap at 211.372.

In addition to givivng the drivers & crews a chance to shake off the cobwebs, the test session is giving the media & fans a chance to see what the last peices of the driver line-up puzzle might be. Dale Coyne Racing has yet to formally announce whether they will be a one or a two car squad this year, or who the driver(s) will be. They put one car out on track yesterday, with ex-N/H/L pilot Justin Wilson behind the wheel. The team told reporters that they are still working on a sponsorship deal to give Wilson a full-time ride, & hopefully keep Bruno Junqueira (who was not present at HMS) as well.

Conquest Racing has also yet to introduce their 2009 drivers. Jamie Camara was on-track yesterday, but there was no sign of Alex Tagliani. The team is reportedly close to signing "Tags", & still trying to find funding for Camara.

The biggest rumor that has been going around as of late puts none other than Milka Duno in a third car at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. She was indeed there, in a N/H/L car partially liveried in her traditional Citgo colors, but would not say that her deal was finalized. "It's a good opportunity for me to test with this championship team. The plan is to do the whole championship (season). It's now up to me to do a good job. They know how to win a race. When you work hard and have the right conditions, good things will come."