Catchfence

March 22, 2010 (Indianapolis, IN)- Conquest Racing announced today that it will enter a second car in the IZOD IndyCar Series for Belgian driver Bertrand Baguette, beginning with the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 11th through the remainder of the season.  The car will carry the colors of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium’s National Team.  The RACB is the Belgian motorsports governing body.

“I have always been attracted to racing in America,” commented Baguette.  “American open wheel has a rich heritage in competitive races and legendary drivers, and I couldn’t be happier about following in their footsteps.  Racing in the US is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am excited about entering into this next step of my career.”

Baguette, 24, received considerable attention in Europe after he captured the 2009 World Series by Renault championship.  As a result of his success in 2009, Baguette was invited to test for Formula 1 teams Renault F1 and BMW Sauber earlier this year in Jerez, Spain.

“I am looking forward to the 15 races this year with the IndyCar series and I am thankful to the sponsors and for the support of the RACB National Team that have made this possible,” said Baguette of the newly formed deal.  “I will carry the yellow color of the Belgian National Team with dignity and pride, especially during the legendary Indianapolis 500.  To run this race in front of 400,000 spectators will undoubtedly be a big moment of emotion for me as a driver and Belgian countryman. I will be counting on the experience of my new team owner, Eric Bachelart, to help me enter successfully into this new world of racing.”

Bachelart is excited about the prospect of a Belgian driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series.  Bachelart has watched the career of Baguette closely over the last several years and is optimistic about Baguette’s ability to be successful this season.

“I am completely confident in the capacities of Bertrand to quickly adapt to the IZOD IndyCar Series car and the North America road and street circuits.   I followed his 2009 season and was  impressed by the excellent degree of competitiveness and maturity he showcased on his way to becoming Formula Renault 3.5 Champion,” asserted Bachelart.  “Because of his ability to adapt well to new formula, I am confident that he will also learn the art of oval track racing relatively quickly.”

While he will not be racing until the Barber Motorsports event, Baguette will be attending the St. Petersburg Grand Prix this weekend to familiarize himself with the IZOD IndyCar Series, the cars and the team.

“I am really looking forward to becoming more familiar with him during the upcoming race in St. Petersburg,” said Bachelart.  “It will be good for Bertrand to be able to attend an event, understand the communication between driver and team and get acclimated to IZOD IndyCar Series racing without the pressure of also having to learn the cars on the same weekend.   This should make Bertrand’s debut event at Barber much smoother for him and for the team.”

About Conquest Racing

Conquest Racing began in 1997 and has long been known for taking in young and talented drivers, developing them into top drivers within premier racing series.  Company president and CEO Eric Bachelart, a native of Belgium, is a former open-wheel racing driver who competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 1992 and ’95.  Bachelart, the 1991 Firestone Indy Lights champion, started Conquest Racing in 1997 to compete in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. The team has competed in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2002 and each year since 2008. In 2002 the team guided driver Laurent Redon to the Rookie of the Year honors.

In 2010, Conquest Racing fields a car for Brazilian rookie Mario Romancini who completed his first IZOD IndyCar Series race in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Beginning at Barber Motorsports Park, Conquest will also field a car for Belgian rookie Bertrand Baguette.

- Conquest Racing, Press Release