2009 IRL Team Reports: Conquest Racing

IRL Team reports for the 2009 IRL season

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Post by mlittle » Sun Jul 26, 2009 10:25 am

Edmonton, AB (July 24, 2009) - The following are some notes from Conquest Racing's day at the track today.

Ode to the Oilers Canadian driver Alex Tagliani is sporting a new paint scheme on his helmet this weekend. The paint scheme is an ode to the 30th anniversary of the Edmonton Oilers, the cities NHL hockey team. The helmet features the Oilers 30th anniversary logo, showcases the five years that the Oilers won the Stanley Cup and has all the names of the team's captain since they joined the NHL.

Giving Back Alex Tagliani met with about 30 kids from the Kids Up Front Foundation today at the Conquest Racing transporter letting them live a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Northlands, Conquest Racing, OOMPH! Events, Alex Tagliani and Kids Up Front are teaming up for the Rexall Edmtonton Indy to bring a group of deserving kids to the Indy and to Capital Ex. In addition to meeting Alex, the kids were able to receive his autograph, see the #34 Rexall Edmonton Indy car up close and get an inside look at the world of racing.

The partners will be making sure kids who otherwise couldn't afford tickets to major events are able to take part in this weekend's exciting action in Edmonton. Northlands brought in 150 kids to the Rexall Edmonton Indy today and OOMPH! Events is donating 200 Capital Ex tickets. The partners are happy to give back to help ensure the next generation of Edmontonians - regardless of income - are able to share in Edmonton's passion for sport, entertainment and major events.

Giving Back, Part Two Team owner Eric Bachelart, driver Alex Tagliani and engineer Brandon Fry took part in a charity go-kart event on Thursday evening at Stratotech Park. The event was organized by TorcUp of Canada and Cantorque to raise money for the Kids with Cancer Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. The "fun" race saw the three Conquest members take the top three spots with Eric in first ahead of Brandon and Alex.

What Tag had to say (About today) "It was a tough first day but we've looked at all the data and made some changes and we're very positive for the rest of the weekend. In regard to my helmet, being the ambassador of this race, and with the Oilers being such an important part of the city, I wanted to do something special. I'm very proud to wear their 30th anniversary logo and commemorate their Stanley cup wins as well as honor the captains they've had in their history. Hopefully it will bring me luck on Sunday.

(About the Kids Up Front visit) I almost see myself in those kids sometimes. Being a kid you are very excited about racing and having the opportunity to see the car up close and meet the drivers is a wonderful chance that you don't get that often. You see in their eyes how very thankful and appreciative of being here they are and I always try to spend as much time as I can with them."

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Post by mlittle » Sun Jul 26, 2009 10:25 am

Edmonton, AB (July 25, 2009) - The following are notes from Conquest Racing ahead of Sunday's Rexall Edmonton Indy.

- Alex Tagliani will be starting 17th in tomorrow's race after placing ninth in his group in the first round of qualifying Saturday.

- This will be Tagliani's first start at the Rexall Edmonton Indy in the IndyCar Series. He has three previous starts at Rexall Speedway in the Champ Car World Series with a best finish of seventh. He also won the NASCAR Canada race at that track last season.

- In eight starts in Edmonton, Conquest Racing has a best finish of seventh, scored by Andrew Ranger in 2006, and four top-ten finishes.

- The team has finished in the top ten in all non-oval races they have taken part in this season.

17th - Alex Tagliani Rexall Edmonton Indy / Conquest Racing
"We're definitely not where we want to be on the grid. It's been tough these last couple of days but I am still confident heading into tomorrow's race. We've always come back strong. We've had really good qualifying sessions in the last few street course races we've done and we've always encountered some bad luck during the race. I'm hoping that now that we are starting further back, that luck will turn around tomorrow in the race and we can have a really good finish."

Eric Bachelart, Team Owner
"Obviously we are not satisfied with our starting position at what is considered our home race. We are starting further back than what we are used to but hopefully this time the race will come our way."

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Post by mlittle » Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:46 am

Conquest Racing Rexall Edmonton Indy Race Report

Edmonton, AB (July 26, 2009) - Conquest Racing and driver Alex Tagliani finished 13th on Sunday at the Rexall Edmonton Indy.

In an uneventful race where passing was scarce and seemingly difficult for everyone, all the action came mostly at the beginning of the race, which is where Tagliani moved up from his 17th spot on the grid to 13th after one lap. The Canadian fought throughout the race with different competitors, but with passing proving to be tricky and with no cautions, save for the last lap, it was hard to make up any positions. Despite their strong pace, following the final stops Tagliani found himself once again in 13th position. He would remain in that spot up until he crossed the finish line.

13th - Alex Tagliani Rexall Edmonton Indy / Conquest Racing "This weekend ended up being more of a learning experience for us, since it was our first race together on this particular type of track, which is not a typical street course. It was one of those races where nothing really happened. There was no one off strategy and no yellows so there was nothing really we could have done different. It's just unfortunate. I would like to thank the people from Northlands and the Rexall Edmonton Indy for their support. It was a lot of work all season long but it paid off, the grandstands were packed and it was a great weekend so I am very happy about that."

Eric Bachelart, Team Owner "It's not the outcome we were hoping for coming in to Edmonton but we did learn a lot this weekend. We've worked closely with the people at Northlands and the Rexall Edmonton Indy and we would have loved to give them, as well as our other partners, Sears, Craftmans, The Keg, OOMPH! Events and TorcUp of Canada, a better result. However, I think the event was an overall success for Northlands and it has been a pleasure to work with them these last few months."

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Post by mlittle » Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:34 am

Conquest Racing Ends Partnership with Rubicon Sports Agency

INDIANAPOLIS (July 30, 2009) - Conquest Racing announced today that it has ended its partnership with the Rubicon Sports Agency. The termination of the association, which included Rubicon's Jim Freudenberg acting as Commercial Director for the team, is effective immediately.

Rubicon Sports Agency had been brought on by Conquest Racing in April and was responsible for the development of the team's commercial platform including attracting new and maintaining existing commercial partners.

Conquest Racing will not attend the next two IndyCar Series races in Kentucky and Mid-Ohio, but an announcement regarding Conquest's end of season plans is expected next week.
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Post by mlittle » Fri Aug 07, 2009 6:10 am

Conquest Racing to Make First Appearance at Indy Japan 300 with Kosuke Matsuura and CLICK Securities Inc.

INDIANAPOLIS (August 3, 2009) - This September Conquest Racing will be making its Japanese debut in the IndyCar Series' Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi with CLICK Securities Inc., the most rapidly growing online securities trading company in Japan, and driver Kosuke Matsuura, who will be making his return to the IndyCar Series in front of his homeland fans.

"We're very excited to be competing in our first race in Japan and to have a hometown favorite, Kosuke Matsuura, driving for us. We really look forward to the Indy Japan 300," expressed Conquest Racing Team Owner Eric Bachelart. "It is also our pleasure to have such a strong partner like CLICK Securities Inc. for this race."

Matsuura, who will be driving the #34 CLICK Securities Conquest Racing Dallara, debuted in the IndyCar Series in 2004. That same year he was crowned Rookie of the Year for the 88th Indy 500 and also took home the honors at season's end. Matsuura has a best qualifying position of second and a top finish of fourth.

"I am very happy to be able to announce my entry in the Indy Japan 300 with CLICK Securities Inc. and Conquest Racing," said Matsuura who hails from Aichi, Japan. "I would like to thank CLICK Securities Inc. for supporting me for this race, and Conquest Racing for welcoming me into their team. It's been two years since I last raced in the IndyCar Series but I will be 100% prepared and put in my best performance during the 200 laps."

Matsuura has 64 starts in the IndyCar Series with three top-five finishes, 22 top-10 runs and 31 laps led. Prior to competing in the IndyCar Series, the 29-year-old driver finished third in the European Formula Renault V6 Championship in 2003 on the strength of three wins. In 2002, he took second place in the German Formula Three Championship and won the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001. Matsuura was also part of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki's driver development program, the ARTA Project.
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Post by mlittle » Fri Aug 07, 2009 6:10 am

Nelson Philippe to 'Drive Green' for Conquest Racing at Sonoma and Homestead-Miami Races

INDIANAPOLIS (August 4, 2009) - Conquest Racing confirmed today that it has signed 23-year-old Frenchman Nelson Philippe for the Sonoma and Homestead-Miami rounds of the 2009 IndyCar Series season. The team also announced its association with the I Drive Green program for these events.

Nelson Philippe, who made his IndyCar Series debut in this year's Indianapolis 500, will be making a return to both Conquest Racing and the IndyCar Series. Philippe piloted the Conquest car in six races in 2004 before running a full season in 2005. The Frenchman also competed with Conquest in the final two races of the 2007 Champ Car World Series season.

Created by Nelson Philippe and Environmental Specialist Jean Paul Libert, the I Drive Green program aims to educate drivers with a more environmentally friendly attitude. The program uses expert training technologies to educate corporations and US families to reduce Co2 emissions. Such an initiative has a great appeal: increase safety, reduce fuel consumption, sustain a green lifestyle and cure one of the top American environmental priorities: Air quality. California being one of the greenest states in the US and with Miami positioning itself as the Greenest city in America, these two races are perfect markets for I Drive Green. Details of the I Drive Green Academy launch campaign will be released next week along with all its sponsors.

"We've always maintained an excellent relationship with Nelson and we're very happy to have him back with us once again," expressed Conquest Racing Team Owner Eric Bachelart. "We first had Nelson with us back when he was an 18 year-old rookie and it's been nice to see him mature into the race car driver he is today. He had his first taste of the Dallara back in May on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and we look forward to seeing him back in an indy car at Infineon Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"We're also excited to be promoting and partnered with such an innovative and interesting project that is the I Drive Green program. We are looking forward to working with Nelson to go racing fulltime in 2010."

Philippe, who fluently speaks French, English, Italian and Spanish, has a total of 42 starts in a major open-wheel racing series (41 in the Champ Car World Series) with one win back in 2006 when he was driving for CTE-HVM Racing. He was the youngest driver to ever start a Champ Car race at the age of 17 years, eight months and 25 days and holds the record for the youngest race winner in Champ Car history after his win at Surfers Paradise in 2006 when he was only 20 years old.

"I'm very happy to be returning to Conquest Racing and to be continuing my work with the I Drive Green Program. It is an excellent team with who I have very much enjoyed working with in the past and look forward to working with again this season," told Philippe. "I'm excited to get back behind the wheel of an indy car again and can't wait to drive it on the road course at Sonoma. By doing only three races this year, I am keeping my rookie status and I can't wait to fight for the Rookie of the Year title in 2010. I'd also like to thank Eric for giving me this opportunity."

Conquest and Philippe will be on track at Infineon Raceway for an IndyCar Series test on Thursday, August 13 before taking to the track the following week for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. The Homestead-Miami race takes place October 10, 2009.
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Post by mlittle » Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:11 am

Sonoma: Conquest Racing preview
Racing series INDYCAR
Date 2009-08-20

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."
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Post by mlittle » Fri Aug 28, 2009 12:12 am

Nelson Philippe Injured in Crash, Conquest Racing to Sit Out Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

Sonoma, CA (August 22, 2009) - After an on-track incident involving Conquest Racing's Nelson Philippe and Team Penske's Will Power, Conquest Racing announced Saturday afternoon that they have pulled out of this weekend's Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma due to an injury sustained by Philippe in the crash.

Philippe suffered an open fracture of the left foot and underwent surgery Saturday afternoon. The Frenchman, who also suffered a concussion, will be kept overnight for observation.

Philippe's #34 Conquest Racing/I Drive Green car spun at the exit of Turn 3, a blind and downhill portion of the circuit, and came to a stop on the left side of the racetrack, in the ‘racing' line. While E.J. Viso attempted to avoid the car and only clipped the front of the #34 machine with his left-rear tire, Power, also cresting the hill, was not as fortunate and couldn't avoid the debris and hit the right side of Philippe's car.

"We never want to have to pull out of a race, especially under these circumstances," said Conquest team owner Eric Bachelart. "While we regret not being able to participate in this weekend's event, the most important thing is that Nelson will be alright. It was a scary incident and we wish both Nelson and Will speedy recoveries."
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Post by mlittle » Sat Sep 19, 2009 12:04 am

Conquest Racing Preparing for Indy Japan 300

INDIANAPOLIS (September 1, 2009) - Before packing up and shipping its equipment to Japan next week, Conquest Racing and driver Kosuke Matsuura are taking care of one final preparation ahead of the Indy Japan 300. The team and driver are participating in a one-day test at Chicagoland Speedway today.

Kosuke Matsuura who has been out of an indy car since 2007 will take advantage of the private test to reacquaint himself with the Dallara as well as familiarize himself with the Conquest Racing team.

"It will be great to get back behind the wheel of the Dallara," said Matsuura during a visit to the Conquest Racing shop on Monday. "We don't have a lot of track time during the race weekend in Japan so it is important for me to get some seat time before in order to get used to this open-wheel environment once again. I look forward to working with the Conquest team at the test and I can't wait for the Indy Japan 300 to race in front of my home crowd."

Conquest Racing will be returning to Chicagoland Speedway for the test, a track where the team scored its best oval result of the 2008 season. The team is excited to be taking part in the Japanese round of the IndyCar Series schedule with one of the hometown favorites and wants to make sure Matsuura gets as much preparation as possible.

"With Kosuke being out of the car for a while, we wanted to give him some extra track time before we head to Japan," explained Eric Bachelart. "It's a very important race for him, as well as for us, and as we all know, preparation is one of the most important aspects. We're really looking forward to this first trip to Twin Ring Motegi."
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Post by mlittle » Sat Sep 19, 2009 12:05 am

INDY JAPAN 300 PRE-RACE NEWS, NOTES AND QUOTES

First time
Conquest Racing will be taking part in its first race in Japan at Twin Ring Motegi this weekend. Despite the team itself never having gone to the 1.5-mile oval, many team members have, several times, and everyone is looking forward to the trip and the team's first participation.

Hometown Hero
Kosuke Matsuura, who hails from Aichi, Japan, is joining Conquest Racing for the Japanese round on the 2009 IndyCar Series schedule. While this will be Matsuura's first race with Conquest Racing it will be his fourth start at Twin Ring Motegi. His first came in 2004. He has a best start of fourth (2004) and best finish of 7th (2006) at the 1.5-mile oval.

Testing
With Matsuura being out of an Indy car for a while, Conquest Racing wanted to ensure that they could offer him the best preparation possible before taking part in the Indy Japan 300. Before packing things up for the flight overseas, the team packed things up and headed up to Chicagoland Speedway for a one-day test. The test was deemed a success by both the team and driver and both parties can't wait to return to the track in Japan.

#34 Kosuke Matsuura Click Securities/Conquest Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone
"I'm very excited to be racing again in the IndyCar Series and especially to be racing in front of my home fans. It's always special to race in your country and making a come back to the series in front of them means a lot to me. I'd like to thank Click Securities, Autobacs and Forex Trade for their support as well as Conquest Racing for giving me the opportunity to return behind the wheel. I'm looking forward to driving the Click Securities/Conquest Racing car again. We had a good test a couple of weeks ago and I'm anxious for the race weekend to get underway."

Eric Bachelart, Conquest Team Owner
"We had a good test with Kosuke at Chicagoland Speedway a couple of weeks ago. Even if the test was mostly to get him re-acclimated with the Dallara, we were very happy with his performance and we had a chance to test different aero pieces. We now look forward to having him race for us at his ‘home track' of Twin Ring Motegi. While I've raced in Japan many years ago, it will be nice to return to that country for Conquest's first participation in the Japanese round of the schedule. I'd also like to welcome on-board our partners for the weekend, Click Securities, Forex Trade and Autobacs."
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Post by mlittle » Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:01 pm

Motegi, Japan (September 18, 2009) - Conquest Racing took part in its first qualifying session at Twin Ring Motegi today with Hometown favorite Kosuke Matsuura placing 17th on the grid for tomorrow's Indy Japan 300.

The driver of the #34 Click Securities/Conquest Racing car put in a strong run in his return behind the wheel of an Indy car. He registered a four lap average speed of 197.921 mph and was the highest placing Japanese driver.

The Indy Japan 300 goes green at 11 p.m. ET (noon local time) and will be broadcast live on VERSUS in the United States starting at 10:30 p.m. ET.

QUOTEBOARD

17th - #34 Kosuke Matsuura Click Securities/Conquest Racing

"I want to first thank Click Securities and Conquest Racing again for this opportunity. It was great to be back in the car. The second practice today didn't go as we would have liked so after the session, my engineer Mike (Colliver) made some changes and in qualifying I was able to put in my quickest times so far this weekend. I'm starting 17th tomorrow and I'm looking forward to a good race."

Eric Bachelart, Conquest Team Owner

"I'm happy with how today went. It's a good start to our first race weekend in Japan. Kosuke did a good job. You wouldn't think that he has not driven one of these cars in over a year. It's a pleasure to work with him and we're looking forward to a strong race tomorrow."
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Post by mlittle » Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:02 pm

Motegi, Japan (September 19, 2009) - Conquest Racing made its Twin Ring Motegi debut today with Japanese driver Kosuke Matsuura aboard the #34 Click Securities/Conquest Racing machine. Matsuura, who was also taking part in his first IndyCar Series race in nearly two years, placed 17th.

After falling a few positions at the start due to the turbulent air around him, the Japanese driver quickly regained his form and didn't let his nearest competitors get away from him. Following the first round of pit stops, Matsuura had gained a couple of positions and was sitting in 19thplace.

By the time a second caution period halted the green flag racing on lap 161, the driver of the Click Securities car was up to 17th. With the race going back to green with less than 30 laps to go, Matsuura maintained his 17th position all the way to the checkered flag.

QUOTEBOARD

17th - #34 Kosuke Matsuura Click Securities/Conquest Racing
"It was nice to be back in an IndyCar Series race. We would have liked to finish higher up but overall I had a good weekend and enjoyed being back behind the wheel. The team did a great job not just on pit stops but all weekend and it was great working with them. I want to say thank you again to Click Securities and Conquest Racing for giving me this chance of racing again at Twin Ring Motegi. Hopefully I can come back next year."

Eric Bachelart, Conquest Team Owner
"We've really enjoyed working with Kosuke for this race. He has shown great professionalism. It was not an easy challenge doing a one-race program on a two-day weekend event especially considering it was our first time here at Motegi. We'll go back to our shop in Indianapolis and debrief on the race weekend and see what we missed. Also we would like to thank the Super Aguri organization and Click Securities for their support this weekend. It has been a pleasure working with them."
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