Mack one step closer to debut.

George Mack's dream of becoming an open-wheeled oval racing star is one step closer to reality this weekend after the former karter sailed through his Indy Racing League rookie orientation test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway where he hopes to make his IRL debut on March 2nd.

There is still a long road ahead of Californian karting ace George Mack before he, and new team 310 Racing, make their Indy Racing League bow in the Indy Racing League season-opening 20th Anniversary Grand Prix of Miami at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 2nd but on Friday Mack easily cleared the first major hurdle when he passed his IRL rookie orientation test at the 1.5-mile Florida oval.

The former gearbox karting ace is still awaiting clearance to race in the IRL from Vice President of Operations Brian Barnhardt who was not present at the test and he may have to do another formality test before being given official clearance to race.

However judging from the reports of those who were at the test to give Mack guidance, the African-American racer should have no difficulties in earning his IRL license.

The IRL's Director of Operations John Lewis and 2000 IRL rookie of the Year Airton Dare were both on hand to observe the test and both ended the day singing Mack's praises heartily.

"George is very mature," said Lewis. "He showed maturity in and out of the car and his approach to the whole day was very methodical. He knew what he had to do and he did it."

Mack, who is aiming to become just the second African-American driver to compete in the IRL following Willy T. Ribbs' fleeting 1999 appearance for McCormack Motorsports at Las Vegas, completed a total of 68 laps on Thursday and Friday in a G Force-Chevrolet prepared by Cunningham Racing. Mack's unofficial top speed was around the 187mph mark, some way off the 201.551mph qualifying speed set by Jeff Ward en route to pole position for the 2001 race at Homestead but impressive nonetheless given his equipment and set-up.

California based 310 Racing and former McCormack Motorsports partner Cunningham Racing plan a joint assault on the full 2002 Indy Racing League campaign with Mack and fellow IRL rookie Rocky Moran Jr who passed his rookie test at the tail end of last year. Mack is already contracted to 310 Racing for 2002 and should make his race bow in a G Force-Chevrolet owned by 310 boss Mark Laidler at Homestead.