However, he does foresee one problem. The race starts at 7 p.m., and through the early laps the drivers race into the first turn directly into the setting sun. He said he didn t have the opportunity to check that situation out during the test session and that it could be his toughest challenge. Racing on the 24-degree banks are a first for Giaffone, too, but he said he quickly learned that the banking helps turn the car and makes it easier on the driver. That, he added, allows a driver to choose different lanes through the corners.
Most Brazilian drivers learn their craft on road courses in their home country.
It s a different style of driving, but Giaffone feels a road course driver can make the adjustment and become a good oval racer. Luyendyk, incidentally, prepped on road courses, but became one of the great oval drivers. Giaffone actually will prepare for Atlanta by driving April 21 on a road course in a 10-hour endurance event. I enjoy driving pretty much anything.