Sonoma: Conquest Racing preview

Re-bienvenue Conquest Racing is welcoming back a very familiar face for the upcoming race in Sonoma, Nelson Philippe. The Frenchman drove for Conquest during his first Champ Car season in 2004. He then returned with the team in 2005 before competing ...

Re-bienvenue
Conquest Racing is welcoming back a very familiar face for the upcoming race in Sonoma, Nelson Philippe. The Frenchman drove for Conquest during his first Champ Car season in 2004. He then returned with the team in 2005 before competing again with them in 2007 for a couple of races. This weekend's race will be Philippe's 22nd start with Conquest and second in the IndyCar Series.

By the Numbers
Competing in its third season of IndyCar Series racing, Conquest will be participating in its 40th race (55th start) in the open-wheel series. The team's first ICS race came in 2001. It will also be the team's 172nd start in a major open-wheel racing series. While this will be Philippe's first start in the IndyCar Series at Infineon Raceway - and first on a road course in the Series - it will be Conquest Racing's second start at the 2.303-mile course. Philippe had the chance to familiarize himself with the track last week during a one-day test session.

#34 Nelson Philippe I Drive Green/Conquest Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone
"I had a good test last week at Sonoma with Conquest Racing and considering that the last time I drove a car on a road course was 11 months ago, I am encouraged by the work we did. We had to suit the car to my liking, which was a little bit of a challenge, but I am eager to be racing this weekend! I'm also very excited to be wearing the I Drive Green colors in Sonoma since this is a very environmentally responsible area. Road courses are natural to me and I can't wait to go wheel to wheel with the best in the business. I have no pressure this weekend and since I am not in a points race, nothing will stop the I Drive Green car from going to the front."

Eric Bachelart, Conquest Team Owner
"We're thrilled to be heading to Infineon Raceway this weekend and to have Nelson Philippe behind the wheel of our I Drive Green car. In addition to looking forward to a great race weekend, we are eager to be working with our partners Ronn Motor Company and eBay Motors on making a 'greener' tomorrow and to be part of such a great innovative project that is the I Drive Green Program."