Excitement Fills the Garage as J.P. Morgan Returns to Iowa

CONCORD, N.C. (July 26, 2010)- There is plenty of buzz and excitement around J.P. Morgan’s garage these days.  And it can be summed up in two words: Iowa Speedway.

Morgan and the No. 23 team are eager to hit the track for the July 30, USARacing Pro Cup Series event.  He is the defending race winner, capturing the 2009 race by 1.341 seconds over second-place finisher Drew Herring and says competing at the .875-mile speedway is on another level from the other tracks in the series.

“It feels awesome,” said Morgan about returning to Iowa, “I’m excited and the team is.”

For Morgan, the most exciting part about racing at Iowa is the high speeds the track carries.  

“That track is about the perfect size,” Morgan said.  “It’s not so big that on the straight-aways you’re resting.  Every time you can go fast, that’s what it’s about.  The garage is awesome and everyone treats you great.  Fans come out in droves and that makes everything special.”

Morgan likens Iowa to Richmond International Raceway (RIR) but insists the banking and size of Iowa make it better. 

To prepare for the 150-lap event, Morgan watches old race footage and pours through his race notes from last year.  He wants to be aware of every detail that occurred.

“It’s a team effort,” said Morgan.  “One guy can’t do it. It saves time to get us to our ultimate goal”.

Most teams entered in the Iowa event will arrive at the track one day early for an all-important test session.  Morgan and the No. 23 team plan to be on hand for the extra track time.

“You have to stay on top of it,” Morgan said. “Testing gives you the opportunity to know what’s happening right now.  The asphalt on the track changes every year.

The most important thing to remember when running Iowa is to be consistent and smooth according to Morgan.  Knowing your points allows you to pick up the throttle and get off of it at the right times.

“Its important to stay off your brakes as much as you can and not to use them except on pit stops,” added Morgan.

At a track as demanding as Iowa, Morgan knows how important it is “stay up” on the track because it has a tendency to change during the day.  Tires are also a point of concern on a track like Iowa. 

In 2010 the USARacing Pro Cup Series will use the current tire, which is different then what was used at Iowa in 2009.  Morgan said he doesn’t think the current tire will cause any issues.

“ BFGoodrich gives us great tires every time,” said Morgan. “My hat’s off to them.  Last year’s tire made the car really free.  This tire makes the car turn by adding stagger and makes it easier to set the car up.”

Historically, Iowa Speedway provides a great experience for USARacing fans and drivers. Morgan along with the rest of the competitors will be waiting on the green flag to drop at 8:00 pm for the 150 laps around Iowa Speedway on Friday, July 30.

“Its one of our races but on a whole other level,” said Morgan.