Philippe confirmed at Conquest

As speculated earlier in the week, Conquest Racing confirmed today that they have signed Frenchman Nelson Philippe for 2 races as they close out the 2009 season. Philippe, who made his IndyCar Series debut in this year's Indianapolis 500, will return with the hard to miss "I Drive Green" liveried car at Sonoma and Homestead-Miami.

"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."

No stranger to the Conquest Familly, Philippe first piloted a Conquest car in Champ Car for six races in 2004, for full season in 2005, then made his return to the team for the final two races of the 2007 Champ Car season.

"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."

Conquest and Philippe will have a chance to test briefly at Infineon Raceway on Thursday, August 13 before competing the following week at Sonoma.

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