Centrix to support both Bourdais and Junqueira
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Financial services firm Centrix Financial announced
today that they will sponsor a two-car program for Newman/Haas Racing for the
2005 Indianapolis 500. Bruno Junqueira, 28, will make his fourth start in the
event while Sebastien Bourdais, 26, will make his debut.
"We are thrilled to be returning to Indy for the second year," said Centrix
Financial's Chairman and CEO Robert E. Sutton. "It's the world's biggest
motorsports stage, and I am proud to have two of the most accomplished
open-wheel drivers behind the wheel for Team Centrix in Bruno and Sebastien.
Centrix is in the business of delivering results in the auto finance industry,
and we are committed to doing the same in motorsports."
In Junqueira's rookie event in 2001 he started 20th and finished fifth. He won
the pole position in 2002, led the first 32 laps but retired in 31st place with
engine failure. Last year in his first Indy 500 with Newman/Haas Racing he
qualified fourth despite limited practice time, led 16 laps and finished fifth.
The 2004 event marked the first time for Newman/Haas Racing to have competed in
the Indy 500 since 1995.
"We are excited that our association with Centrix Financial has enabled us to
compete at the Indianapolis 500 again," said Carl Haas, co-owner of Newman/Haas
Racing. "Centrix Financial is a company that operates with the same philosophy
as our team; they are true competitors both in the auto finance industry and in
racing and enjoy winning as much as we do. Add to that combination the powerful
and reliable Honda engine and we have a good opportunity for a strong finish."
The 2005 entry will mark the 15th for Newman/Haas Racing in the Indianapolis
500. Prior to 2005, the team prepared a total of 21 entries for drivers such as
Mario and Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Paul Tracy and Bruno Junqueira.
Newman/Haas Racing's highest finish in the Indianapolis 500 is second place with
Mario Andretti in 1985 and Michael Andretti in 1991 although team drivers have
led many laps on the 2.5-mile Super Speedway. Mario Andretti also brought the
team its highest start in the event when he won the pole position in 1987.