Mario Dominguez and the Pacific Coast Motorsports team have moved into garages 25-27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for their rookie debut in the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500.
Dominguez will cross the historic yard of bricks for the first time in his #96 Visit Mexico City/Dallara this Sunday, May 4th when he participates in the Rookie orientation practice session from 12:00pm – 5:00 pm. The team will work on a qualifying set-up throughout the first week of practice.
"This is a dream come true," said Dominguez. "Competing in the Indy 500 has been a dream of mine as long as I can remember. I have to thank all of my guys who have been working crazy hours to get us here. Also to the IndyCar Series and the Mexico City Tourism Board for their encouragement and support. To be here is a great honor, now we have a lot of work to do to make sure we make the show."
Pacific Coast Motorsports announced its IndyCar program last week in a press conference in Mexico City. The news was well received by 80 members of Mexico’s major media outlets. Mario was named "Mexico City’s Official Driver" last fall by Mayor Marcello Ebrard. At the press conference, the city announced they will place 92 jumbo-tron televisions throughout Mexico City, so Mario’s fans can watch him vie to become the ninth rookie and first Mexican driver to win the Indianapolis 500.
The Oxnard, California-based PCM squad received their two Dallara IndyCar’s just before the Champ Car finale at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Dominguez’s third place finish at Long Beach fueled his team for 15-hour work days the last two-weeks as they prepared for the Indy effort. PCM’s traveling team of 20 arrived in Indianapolis on Thursday, and will remain there the next four weeks.
It will be the first Indy 500 for PCM, but there is plenty of experience within. PCM Team Manager Michael Harvey will make his second start, Crew Chief Roy Wilkerson has 12 Indy 500 starts under his belt, while Car Chief Didier Francesia has seven starts with two third-place finishes, and a pole and Gearbox Specialist Chuck Miller has competed at the Speedway seven times.
For all of the latest news and results, please visit www.pcmracing.com or www.indycar.com. Rookie orientation practice kicks off Sunday, May 4th and continues through Monday, May 5th. Practice for the entire field kicks off Tuesday, May 6th at noon.
Noteworthy: Five drivers from Mexico have previously competed at the Indy 500; Josele Garza, Bernard Jourdain, Michele Jourdain Jr, Hector Rebaque and most recently, Adrian Fernandez. Adrian Fernandez holds the highest finishing position by a Mexican driver in the History of the Indianapolis 500; he started sixth and finished seventh in 2004.
Eight rookies have won the Indy 500. This year, 13 rookies have entered.
About Pacific Coast Motorsports: Formed in 2002 and based in Oxnard, California, Pacific Coast Motorsports are champions on the track and in the marketplace. The 2004 Toyota Atlantic Champions have competed in a diverse array of motorsports challenges, from open wheel to sports car racing and succeeded in every discipline.
Off the track, PCM has represented some of the countries most recognizable names, from Imperial Capital Bank to Menards, TECATE and Vonage to Uniden establishing successful, high-profile marketing platforms that deliver meaningful exposure and a quantifiable return on investment.
PCM is dedicated to success and committed to go beyond the traditional means to deliver value and exceed the expectations of our partners. Follow our 2008 IndyCar and Atlantic season at www.PCMracing.com.
-Katie Brannan, PCM -
