IRL: Team Cheever Switches to Infiniti

CHEEVER MAKES THE MOVE TO INFINITI Team Cheever to debut its Infiniti Engine Package at this week's Open Test in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN -- In a bold move, 1998 Indy 500 winner and Team Cheever owner/driver, Eddie Cheever, Jr., announced today that he will switch the engine program for his #51 Team Cheever/Children's Beverage Group Dallara from Oldsmobile to Infiniti. Team Cheever will debut its Infiniti Indy engine package at this week's Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"When Dick Caron and I first sat down three years ago and discussed the goals for this race team, our relationship with manufacturers was at the top of the list," explained Eddie Cheever. "We wanted to develop a technical relationship with companies wherein we would be able to make a significant contribution to the development of their products. We feel that we have that type of relationship with Goodyear and now, wish to extend this to Infiniti."

"Over the past few years, and now with their further two year commitment to the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, Infiniti has proven that they are here to stay," spoke Cheever. "In my opinion, they have showed that they are in this game for the long haul. No matter the odds, they are willing to put not only their technical but also their financial resources behind this series and now, this team.

Just two weeks ago, in Phoenix, Infiniti showed that it means to be a power in the paddock with two Top Five finishes at the MCI WorldCom 200. Team Cheever, as Infiniti's top team plans to up that ante as well.

"At Team Cheever, we believe that sometimes you have to take risks to grow as a company," spoke Cheever. "One significant way to ensure our continual improvement as a race team is to evaluate and re-evaluate the latest technology and strongest backing available to us, and then, work hand in hand with each vendor to ensure improvement."

"Our job for Infiniti will be to help them develop the best engine out there. We look forward to that challenge," added Cheever. "Phoenix is significant proof that they have the ability and the will to succeed. "We hope to be a significant part of that success."

Team Cheever comes to Indy on the heels of an one day test at Atlanta Motor Speedway where the Infiniti showed the team that it is a contender.

"Our intention was to do a shakedown only," spoke Dick Caron, Team Cheever' s Team Manager, describing the 240-mile day. "We ended up running half an Indy 500! We still have a lot to learn about this engine. But we got a really good feel for it's capabilities on Monday."

"Beating Oldsmobile is not going to be an easy task, but I believe we are positioning our team to take advantage of Infiniti's commitment to winning the Indianapolis 500," commented Cheever. "We won our first race as a team for Oldsmobile in 1997; our goal is just as ambitious for Infiniti."

Eddie Cheever, Jr. is currently ranked third in the Drivers points while Team Cheever, as a whole, lies second in the championship run. Round 3 of the 1999 Pep Boys Indy Racing League series is at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 1st.

Primary sponsorship of Team Cheever comes from The Children's Beverage Group. The Children's Beverage Group (TCBG) is the designer of the RIP-IT SIP-IT straw-in-the-pouch drinking system that began distribution nationwide in 1997. For more information, call TCBG's corporate headquarters at 847-562-4040 or visit their website at www.tcbginc.com. Associate sponsors of team Cheever include Rachel's Gourmet Potato Chips, Goodyear, Menards, TruGreen*Chemlawn, STP, Bosch, Pennzoil and Invincible Sportswear.