Keohane knocking on IndyCar door

Irish racing driver Michael Keohane hopes he can secure a seat in the 2005 IndyCar series in the US after he conducted a successful test for race winning IRL team Dreyer & Reinbold Racing on Monday.

The 24-year-old from west Cork, who is a former British F3 race winner, drove the team's Chevrolet-powered Dallara at Texas Motor Speedway and impressed the Indianapolis-based outfit with his pace during the shorter-than-planned run at the 1.5-mile oval.

Speaking after the test Keohane said: “The speed is amazing and running just inches from the wall takes getting used to.

“The car has a serious level of grip and its was a matter of building trust in that grip through the corners to get up to speed.

“I am very happy with the test and the team were impressed with how quickly I got on the pace.”

In completing the test with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Michael became the first Irish driver to sample an IRL car.