IRL: Max Jones joins Cheever Racing as General Manager

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Dec. 16, 2002) - Max Jones, who has won numerous races and championships as a team manager for Roush Racing, has joined Red Bull Cheever Racing as general manager, owner and driver Eddie Cheever Jr. announced today.

As general manager, Jones will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Red Bull Cheever Racing. He replaces Richard Caron, who served as general manager since the formation of the Indy Racing League team in 1997. Caron has been promoted within Cheever Group, the parent company of Red Bull Cheever Racing.

"Richard has been instrumental in the success of this race team, including our 1998 Indianapolis 500 victory," Cheever said. "It's time for him to take on new challenges in our growing organization. When Richard and I set out to hire a new general manager we wanted someone dedicated to winning, and Max fits that mold to a tee. He is a proven winner, guiding a number of young drivers and mechanics to winner's circle at Roush Racing. He will bring some new blood to this race team."

Jones has worked for Roush Racing since 1990. As general manager for Roush's IMSA, SCCA Trans Am and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series' efforts, Jones is credited with 52 victories and five championships.

"Indy cars, especially the Indianapolis 500, is something I have always wanted to do, but only if I could be with a successful team" said Jones, a native of Long Beach, Calif. "I have followed Red Bull Cheever Racing for some time now and the team has all the right pieces to win races and championships. I am very excited to get started."

Jones began his career in motorsports as a driver. His road racing career included a victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1991, and victories at Topeka (1989) and Portland (1988) with the factory Chevrolet team. He also won the 1987 SCCA Sport Truck Championship, and the 1986 IMSA Firestone Firehawk Championship.

Jones will relocate to Indianapolis with his wife, Linda. He has two children, Brianna and Daniel.

Heading into its seventh year of IRL competition, Red Bull Cheever Racing has confirmed it will field one car in 2003 for American driver Buddy Rice. Rice will make the debut of the Red Bull Cheever Racing Chevrolet Dallara in the IRL season opener March 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Red Bull Cheever Racing, based in Indianapolis, is the brainchild of 1998 Indy 500 champion Eddie Cheever Jr. A leader in American motorsports, the Indy Racing League team is built on Cheever's experience in Formula One, sports cars and open-wheel oval racing. Corporate and technical partnerships include the world's leading energy drink Red Bull, Lincoln Financial Group, Menards, Chevrolet, Dallara, and Firestone. For more information, visit www.cheeverracing.com.

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