Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced today that it has come to an agreement with British racer Mike Conway to become the team’s first confirmed driver for the 2009 IndyCar Series campaign.
The 25-year old rookie comes to the U.S.-based open-wheel series after spending the majority of his career in the European formula car ladder. Most recently, he completed his second season driving in the GP2 Series with Trident Racing in 2008. He was also a Honda F1 Racing test driver for the past two seasons.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to race in the U.S. with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the IndyCar Series,” said Conway, who tested an IndyCar Series machine with Panther Racing last summer at Infineon Raceway. “I’ll be visiting a lot of new tracks for the first time, especially oval tracks, but I’m very much looking forward to the challenge.”
Conway has been one of the top up-and-coming British drivers for the last several years, having won the prestigious British Formula 3 championship with Räikkönen Robertson Racing in 2006. That year was also highlighted by a win in the famed Macau Grand Prix. His most recent success was winning a round at the famous streets of Monte Carlo, Monaca in the GP2 Series in 2008.
In 2004, he won the Formula Renault UK Championship, and in 2005, he was recognized twice by the British Racing Drivers’ Club for his achievements in Formula 3.
“We’re excited to get the things rolling in getting ready for the 2009 season,” team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. “We’ve made a lot of improvements in the off-season, and combined with Mike’s talent, we’re excited to see lots of positive results in this year’s IndyCar Series events.”
Conway’s first test with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be a private rookie test before the IndyCar Series Open Test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway Feb. 25-26. These tests will be his first laps on an oval.
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