While one of the expected Champ Car converts has confirmed that it is ready to take part in the first specially-organised 'transition' tests laid on by the Indy Racing League ahead of the season-opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway, another has admitted that it will not be ready for Sebring this week.
Kevin Kalkhoven's KV Racing Technology has confirmed that both Oriol Servia and recently-signed Team Australia driver Will Power will be on track at the Florida airfield circuit, but the team that most expect to lead the opposition to the IndyCar regulars, Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, has said that it is not yet ready to participate.
After the 27 February announcement of unity, NHLR switched its focus to preparing for the IndyCar Series but, having only taken delivery of the first two Dallara-Hondas on 3 March, have run out of time to join its rivals on track this week.
“Despite the best efforts of Dallara and the IndyCar Series, we still don't have all the parts necessary to be ready in time to test in Sebring," general manager Brian Lisles explained, "It is a big disappointment for the team, and an enormous setback because we will be losing valuable track time that will be difficult to recover. The team continues to work hard to complete the cars in time for the Homestead test on 24-25 March.”
NHLR has confirmed that it will continue to run already-signed Champ Car duo Justin Wilson and Graham Rahal in the unified series, and both drivers have expressed their disappointment at missing a rare opportunity to try the Dallara-Honda combination ahead of the season.
"I was looking forward to trying out the Dallara for the first time and making some progress on our 2008 season," Wilson admitted, "The circumstances have come about that we won't be able to make it and I know the team will use the extra time wisely.
![Will Power and Justin Wilson sign autographs [pic credit: BAM Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/372976.jpg)
