2007 Rookie Of The Year Giebler Heading Back To Indy

Phil Giebler was named Indianapolis 500 Chase Rookie of the Year in 2007 after finishing 29th.
By indy500.com Staff
indy500.com
Saturday, May 3, 2008

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Majority ownership of Playa Del Racing has been purchased by former Indiana Boxing Commissioner William T. Kelsey and Arizona businessman Eric Zimmerman and will be known as American Dream Motorsports.

American Dream Motorsports will attempt to qualify for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 with 2007 Chase Rookie of the Year Phil Giebler behind the wheel of the No. 21 Honda-powered Panoz.

Former Playa Del Racing co-owner Susan Schafer will oversee American Dream Motorsports' Firestone Indy Lights program.

"It's an honor to be a part of the Indy Racing League under the new format," said Zimmerman, an Indianapolis native. "I truly value my new relationship with Susan Schafer."

Giebler qualified 33rd in 2007 and finished 29th after being involved in a single-car accident on Lap 106.

"It's hard to put into words what it means to return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indy 500," Giebler said. "I had a huge learning curve in my rookie run last year, but I plan on this being a much better year. To say Indy is all I've thought about for the last 12 months would be an understatement."

Al Unser III will continue to drive the American Dream Motorsports Firestone Indy Lights No. 21 entry for the remainder of the season.

"I'm extremely excited to start this new relationship with Eric and American Dream Motorsports," said Unser, who is ninth in the Firestone Indy Lights points championship. "This is a great time to be in open-wheel racing, and I'm looking forward to continuing our hunt for the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights championship."

Kelsey owns GB Management Company, a real-estate management and acquisitions company, in Indianapolis. Zimmerman and his wife, Penny, have owned restaurants for more than 30 years. American Dream Motorsports will be headquartered in Indianapolis.

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Indy 500 tickets on sale: Tickets are on sale for the 2008 Indianapolis 500, the 92nd  running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" on Sunday, May 25.

Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.

Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, while online orders can be made at any time.

Ticket prices start at just $20.


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