Dec 4&5, 2000 - Sebring, Fla.
The first Barber Dodge Pro Series test of the 2001 season was held at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida on December 4 and 5. Trevor Hilliar took part in the test with encouraging results. The first part of the test session involved fitting Trevor to the Dodge powered Reynard chassis. A custom foam seat is formed and the controls were adjusted to accommodate Trevor's 5-foot, 11-inch frame. Once the driver and crew were familiarized with each other and with the testing procedure, Hilliar and eight other drivers were set loose on the 1.9 mile road course.

The first day of testing was dedicated to familiarization with the track and the 240 HP, carbon fiber chassis. Trevor quickly adapted to the 6-speed sequential gearbox and the 300 extra pounds that the Barber Dodge Reynard carries over the Van Diemen Formula 2000 he has been driving. The higher center of gravity in the Barber Dodge Reynard combined with the hard compound Michelin radial tires makes the car slow to respond and demands a different driving style than the F2000. By the end of the first day of testing, Trevor had a good feel for the track and had come to grips with the characteristics of the Dodge/Reynard.

On the second day of testing, Hilliar worked with the mechanics and coaches to dial some of the inherent understeer out of the chassis while maintaining a driveable car. The use of PI data acquisition made the task easier as Trevor could compare his data to that of the other front running drivers returning from the 2000 season. By the end of the second day, Trevor had found a good balance and was looking forward to more seat time in the Dodge/Reynard. Hilliar plans to partake in several more test days in the Barber Dodge cars at the Sebring circuit in the first two months of 2001.