Phil Giebler Enters 91st Indianapolis 500

May 1, 2007 (www.playadelracing.com)
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- Phil Giebler, who won a Team USA Scholarship in 2000, will make his IndyCar Series debut on the most prestigious stage in motorsports, the Indianapolis 500. Phil will be in the cockpit of Playa Del Racing’s car No.31.

PDR will field a two-car effort that will feature the combination of Giebler’s raw speed and Jaques Lazier’s seasoned skills.

“I am really excited to get the chance go to the next level with a team like Playa Del Racing,” says Giebler. “I know these guys are going to put together a solid car for me, and I’m going to have the opportunity to work with a stellar veteran teammate in Jaques Lazier.”

Giebler began racing go karts at the age of 10. He quickly moved to Europe with aspirations to compete in F1. After competing in the F3000 series, Giebler moved back to the states to begin competition in the Indy Pro Series. Giebler won his oval debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and has had success ever since. This includes a seventh-place finish this year for Playa Del Racing on the Streets of St. Petersburg after starting in the last spot, and driving without second gear.

“Phil has paid his dues and deserves a shot at this level,” says co-owner Susan Schafer. “He did a fabulous job for us in St. Pete this year, and I think everyone around here is excited to see what he can do in the big car.”

The rookie also expressed his excitement.

“This is an opportunity of a life time,” exclaims Giebler. “I have been working toward this my whole life, and I plan on making a solid run for Rookie of the Year.”

PDR team manager David Morgan, who has been involved in 24 prior Indy 500s will be calling the shots from pit wall for the third consecutive year.

“I think this is going to be our best performance yet at Playa Del Racing,” says Morgan. “This is a year of milestones at PDR, and we have the personnel to make some great things happen. We have put an impressive supporting cast together, and now we have a great combination of drivers to compliment that.”

For more information on PDR, Lazier, Giebler, or the crew please visit www.playadelracing.com.