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IndyCar
IN THE COCKPIT: Charlie Kimball, St. Pete
The opening weekend of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season was all about firsts, friends and lessons learned.
Charlie Kimball  |  Posted March 29, 2011   Indianapolis, IN
Charlie Kimball's first race in the IZOD IndyCar Series didn't last as long as he wanted, but the rookie learned a lot in a short amount of time. (Marshall Pruett)
ChipGanassiRacing.com


The opening weekend of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season was all about firsts, friends and lessons learned.

Not only was it my first IZOD IndyCar Series start, but on Thursday I did my first satellite media tour where we did 25 television and radio interviews in just a couple of hours. Now that was an experience.

We have worked hard in the office season to set realistic goals and manage expectations on and off the track and it really felt good to finally get to St. Pete to put it all together.

It is amazing that a few months ago Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing didn't exist. There was no race shop, no crew and no car. Yet when we rolled into St.Pete we not only looked like we were ready to be competitive, we knew we belonged and it hit me that the dream I have had since I was a kid was about to become the real deal.

On the track we made our way through a lot in St. Pete. Sure, we had hoped to qualify a bit better, but I know with our team those stronger results will be there for us this year. As a driver, I learned a lot and I know I still have so much to learn.

There is a reason they call us rookies and I sure lived through that on Sunday.
Kimball achieved a dream by making his first IndyCar start. (LAT)

During the race I made some solid progress up through the field, especially picking my way through some tense moments in Turn 1 (a couple of times). Then the guys really delivered with our first pit stop under race conditions--from where I was sitting, it was flawless!

After exiting pit lane I made a mistake and ended up in the wall exiting Turn 3 and our day was done much earlier than we had hoped. I totally overestimated the grip of cold tires with full fuel, but, as I said, it was an important lesson to learn.

Away from the track it was so great to connect with so many friends and colleagues, especially with my team of supporters from Novo Nordisk. The partnership with Novo Nordisk is unique.

It's not just an endorsement; they make the insulin that keeps me alive. So yes, we are pretty tight and I know how fortunate I am to have them on my side.

This year Novo Nordisk will have a booth at several INDYCAR events for their diabetes awareness campaign. Called Drive The Switch, the booth is a place where those with diabetes and their families can get more information about diabetes and take a pledge to talk to their healthcare ‘team’ about being proactive with their diabetes management. There are so many great people that come though the booth and it is very inspirational for me to meet these special race fans.

Saturday I had a chance to meet a young seven-year-old girl named Taylor who had been diagnosed just a few months ago. She and I have an awful lot in common and she told me to have fun out there on the track.

So, Taylor, we may have not as finished as high as we had hoped, but I took your words to heart and let me tell you, it was a blast out there and I can't wait to get to Birmingham and do it all again. This is going to be a great season!

Learn more about Charlie, his team and his sponsors at www.ChipGanassiRacing.com.
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Charlie Kimball

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