Phoenix, AZ -- The blue Lola EX275 of Autocon Motorsports got a workout Friday on the East Course of Firebird Raceway, in an afternoon precursor to the team's prospective composition for 2007. Five drivers, including four under the age of 21, participated in the test that totaled 195 laps and approximately 234 miles.

"We wanted to squeeze this test in as the team traveled east for Petit Le Mans. It was really a flawless day," said team owner Michael Lewis. "Each of the participants had three stints of 15 laps each, and this was really the opportunity for each of them to feel what it is like to drive world class sports car."

The day started at 9 a.m. and concluded by 3 p.m. on a near-perfect Arizona day with temperatures in the high 80s. The team reported lap times on par with reports from Fernandez Racing's test of its Acura-powered Lola at Firebird a few weeks prior, and was especially pleased with this result given that the car was entirely new to the drivers. In addition to the fivesome that tested, Lewis says the team has four more drivers currently exploring the opportunity to run alongside sports car veteran John Graham in Autocon's second car next season.

"Since we announced our second car effort two months ago, we have been actively pursuing drivers, and today we learned there are plenty of fast and able drivers ready to race among the best in sports car racing," added Lewis, who said the test featured drivers from Formula BMW, Star Mazda and IndyPro Series. "Each participant was new to the prototype environment, paddle shifting and carbon fibre brakes, but they did terrific. It was a fun day that bodes well for filling our second car with good talent."