Testing the new Honda at Phoenix source: irl.racing-live.com With the beginning of the 2006 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series season looming, Team Penske drivers are already preparing for the season-opening race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 26th. Next week the team heads to Phoenix International Raceway for the first IRL Open Test of the season on January 24th and 25th. The session will give team-mates Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr. their first opportunity to get behind the wheel of their identical 2006 Team Penske Dallara/Hondas. The 2006 season marks a return to Honda power for the team after competing with them in the 2000 and 2001 CART FedEx Championship Series. While utilizing the Honda engine, Team Penske won 10 races and 16 pole positions resulting in back-to-back Championships for Gil de Ferran. "The start of a season always marks a new beginning with a fresh slate," said Castroneves. "We'll be using Honda power this year, so I'm definitely optimistic about the fact that we should be very competitive. There are so many good drivers in this Series, so it won't be easy, but I think if Team Penske works hard all year we'll be in good shape for the Championship." "With the addition of Honda horsepower, I feel very confident that we'll be competing for wins and the Championship right off the bat," said Hornish Jr. "I'm looking forward to another great season with Team Penske. I know the cars will be reliable, the pit stops will be great and hopefully with a little bit of luck we'll end the season with a Championship."
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