Apparently inspired by her appearance via videoconference during the annual Texas Motor Speedway Media Day, Danica Patrick clocked the fastest speed during the final session of the IndyCar Series Open Test on Thursday.
Patrick, who has been battling flu-like symptoms all week, toured the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway in 25.0772 seconds/213.182 mph in her Dallara/Honda. She was the quickest of 16 drivers recording hot laps.
"I was sicker than I've ever been before on a day when I had to do something," said Patrick, who is in her second season at Andretti Green Racing. "I was dizzy and my head was full of pressure. It's kind of nice to go out there, skip a day, go out and be quickest."
Team Penske newcomer Ryan Briscoe _ who also chatted with the Dallas/Fort Worth media at the Gaylord Texan resort _ was second fast at 213.056 mph. Meanwhile, Target Chip Ganassi Racing ace Dan Wheldon _ winner of the past three IndyCar events at HMS _ was third-fastest at 212.980 mph. Wheldon, fastest on Day One of testing at 213.312 mph, will aim for his fourth consecutive victory at HMS when the season opens on March 29.
-- John Sturbin
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