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Former Indy Racing League IndyCar Series driver and owner of the champion's Menards Infiniti Pro Series car driven by Thiago Medeiros, Sam Schmidt isn't one to give up. Full story

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MEDEIROS TO DRIVE FOR SCHMIDT IN MENARDS INFINITI PRO SERIES

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, January 7, 2004 – Sam Schmidt Motorsports announced today that they have signed open-wheel veteran Thiago Medeiros to compete in the 2004 Menards Infiniti Pro Series.

Medeiros, 21, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, contested the 2003 MIPS series and earned 1 pole position, 7 top 5’s and finished 4^th in the series points standings. He capped off the season with a victory at the final race at Texas Motor Speedway.

"I am looking forward to working with the entire team this season, as I feel we gelled well during my tests in Phoenix and Nashville last month,” said Medeiros. “They have a lot of experience, and I now know a lot more about this kind of racing, so I think together we will be a very strong candidate for the Championship in 04."

"2003 was my first year racing on ovals and living in the USA and was a steep learning curve for me, as I was new to everything.  It's going to be extremely tight racing. The cars are so evenly matched, it's the little things that each team can get out of their cars that's going to make the difference.”

 “I am extremely pleased to announce that Thiago will be competing with our team for the full season,” Schmidt said. “Observing him throughout 2003, I know that he has the talent to compete for wins and the championship. He is also a quality individual and I know our team will enjoy working with him next year.”

As with many great racing drivers from Brazil, he began competing in go-karts at the age of 9.  He won the Brazilian Formula Chevrolet championship in 1998 and then moved to South American Formula 3 competition where, in 3 seasons,  he earned 7 wins and 8 poles with a 3^rd in the points standings in 2002.

"We are very pleased to conclude our agreement with Sam, and looking forward to the start of the season,” said Fernando Avallone, Thiago’s manager and principal of Miami-based Ava Sports.  “We are honored to be working with such a respected team, one that we feel will provide the structure Thiago needs to contend for the MIPS Championship. Judging from the chemistry and their professionalism so far, we can expect an excellent season."

The Menards Infiniti Pro Series follows the Indy Racing League to America's premier oval tracks.  Powered by a Q45, 450 horsepower engine with a six speed sequential gearbox, the Dallara built chassis can average speeds in excess of 190 MPH on a 1.5-mile super speedway.  The third Menards Infiniti Pro Series season starts February 29, 2004 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Media contacts:  Michele Davis, (602) 741-1915, mdavis@marketingchampions.com

World Wide Web:  www.samschmidtmotorsports.com