PDM News Archive

Indianapolis, IN (November 6, 2007) - It is with deep sadness we must pass along the following news -While loading the PDM Racing Silver Crown car for the upcoming Copper Classic in Phoenix, Red Burden was injured in a fatal accident. He fell and suffered severe brain trauma and died Saturday night. Red, 82 years young, was a beloved member of the racing team. Along with assisting the PDM Racing team, Red also, worked for AJ Watson in the 1950's. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Red's family and PDM Racing.

PDM Racing is presently seeking funding for the 2008 Indianapolis 500 program, as well as, a partial season of ovals for the 2008 Indy Racing League with the big picture of a full time program in 2009.

Indianapolis, IN (July 26, 2007) - PDM Racing took the #18 USAC Silver Crown car out of hibernation to compete in the J.D Byrider 100 at O'Reilly Raceway Park. With the help of Busch Series driver Jason Leffler, the #18 PDM Racing entry, promptly decimated last year's track record, posting a blistering fast 21.76 second lap to earn the pole position. However, the car was setup for a tight track for qualifying, and by the time the race started, unfortunately, the track became very loose and the #18 with Jason Leffler ended up in eighth place.

With the positive finish Jason Leffler took that track knowledge with him and won the Saturday event in the NASCAR Busch series, giving him and Toyota the win.

If funding can be secured, look to see the PDM Racing #18 USAC Silver Crown car in the upcoming events at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire and at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.

Indianapolis, IN (May 20, 2007) - The day started with much optimism and hope as the #18 PDM Racing Team looked to make some minor adjustments to their machine in case they were bumped and needed to re-qualify with a higher average speed. Unfortunately, PDM was bumped by Phil Giebler and the day ended with team owner Paul Diatlovich waving off the last qualifying attempt as the 6:00 gun sounded to end qualifying for the 2007 Indianapolis 500.

The under-budgeted hometown team could never quite recover from a Wednesday crash that left the crew without enough time on the track to get the car up to speed. Diatlovich, quick to take full responsibility for the team’s failure, was visibly disappointed that one of the best drivers at the Speedway was not in the field. Four years in the making, the Kite-PDM finally materialized in 2007 on a wing, a prayer and a heavy debt-load. If history tells us anything, we don’t expect this to be the last time PDM makes an attempt to get into the field for the 500. Diatlovich, PDM and Jimmy Kite need the 500, and the 500 needs them.

Indianapolis, IN (May 19, 2007) - Just 3 days after spinning the car into the SAFER barrier in turn one during his first day of practicing, Jimmy Kite filled one of the remaining 11 spots for this year’s Indianapolis 500. At least for now.

With a four-lap average of 214.528 mph, the No. 18 Z-Line Design PDM Racing Panoz/Honda/Firestone machine was the slowest car to make the field and is currently sitting in the middle of row 11. What does this mean for the hometown heroes? Bump Day angst waiting and anxiety – but this is nothing new for team owner Paul Diatlovich and the crew. One spot is left to be filled and then the bumping begins. Noise around the garages at The Brickyard point to a possible four more driver-car combinations that may make a run at the field.

Kite had this to say about Saturday’s effort: “The car was good in fourth (gear), really good in fifth, and as soon as I went into sixth, it just fell on its face. It didn't want to pull the sixth gear we had. We know tomorrow. Obviously, we're more than likely going to have to qualify again tomorrow. I mean, I'd be shocked if we didn't. At least we got a number on the board. Now we know tomorrow we can go out, practice and just keep working at it. We're just on a really short time schedule. I think we'll be fine. The car was faster than it's been all day in fourth gear and fifth gear, we just didn't have sixth. We'll make the gear change and get that right. Plus we still have a lot of trimming out on the car to do."

Under the new rules of qualifying, each car can make three attempts per day. If a car is bumped on any day of qualifications, that entrant can re-enter the qualification line and attempt to re-qualify based on the number of attempts remaining on that car.

Sunday will once again prove to be a nerve-racking, gut-wrenching six hours as the #18 Team members, fans and the loyal DE cross their fingers and toes and hope for the best.

SPEEDWAY, Ind., May 16, 2007, Five-time Indianapolis 500 starter Jimmy Kite (a native of Missouri who grew-up in Stockbridge, Ga.) was uninjured today after a mechanical failure led to slight contact with the Turn One SAFER Barrier at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kite, who was getting his first taste of the No. 18 Z-line Designs/PDM Racing Panoz/Honda/Firestone entry earlier today, had turned only 19 laps when, at 3:54 pm (ET), the PDM Racing machine spun. The car did a half spin and made light contact with the left front suspension. PDM Racing owner Paul Diatlovich (Indianapolis, Ind.) and veteran chief mechanic Rob Stark (Cucamonga, Calif.) determined that the spin, which occurred at approximately 206 miles per hour, was the result of a cracked gearbox. The team is currently assembling the pieces necessary to repair the minor damage to the suspension and replace the gearbox.

The mechanical failure occurred while the team was "shaking down" the No. 18 on the first day of the second week of practice for the 91st Running of the Indianapolis 500. The crack in the gearbox, which acts as a fully stressed member of the Panoz chassis, allowed the left rear suspension to collapse at the mounting point as Kite entered the turn. Even with his experience in an IndyCar, there was no way for Kite to know that the crack was present and would result in the failure.

In his limited running today, Kite was fourth quickest of the unqualified drivers that practiced. His fastest lap of the 2.5 mile oval was 204.193 mph, far below what Kite expects to be practicing and qualifying at when the car returns later this week. The team anticipates having the No. 18 back on track by Friday morning. The third day of qualifying, which will fill the remaining 11 positions in the 33-car field for the May 27th event, is scheduled for Saturday, May 19. Sunday, May 20, is "Bump Day" where hopeful teams that are not in the field by Saturday at 6 pm, will have their last chance to make the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing".

Quotes Jimmy Kite: "This is obviously a setback for us. It sure isn't the way we wanted to welcome Z-line Designs to the program. Paul and the whole PDM crew are working really hard right now to make sure we are ready to qualifying on Saturday. We were able to determine that the gearbox cracked where the left- rear suspension mounts to it. When I went into turn one, even though we were only going about 206 [mph] the suspension collapsed and we did a half spin. We barely hit the wall. Right now we are just trying to find the parts. I think we'll be back out there Friday morning. It won't leave us much time to find the speed we want but that is why Paul hired me. He knows I have been through all of this before at this place and I can just put it behind me. We'll all be ready to go on Friday and ready to qualify on Saturday."

SPEEDWAY, Ind., May 16, 2007- A day full of promise and hope for the #18 PDM Racing team ended with a lot of head scratching and the expectations of another late night with little sleep. Luckily, the team has handled this type of adversity in the past and will no-doubt overcome this minor setback.

Just hours after announcing a partnership with Z-Line Products, the team excitedly placed the car on the track for the first time in May. With a little more than a dozen laps under his belt, Jimmy Kite took the car out again for some more practice laps. It was during this shakedown period that Kite did a half-spin to the right in Turn 1, hitting the SAFER barrier with the left front wheel of the car. Fortunately, the Z-Line PDM Racing machine wasn’t going fast enough to hit the wall that hard. Early reports are that the car sustained Left Front Suspension damage. It is unknown at this time what caused the accident. The team will work tirelessly to pinpoint the problem and get the car back into racing shape. While team owner Paul Diatlovich is disappointed with this turn of events, he is optimistic that they will rally tonight to be ready for Thursday practice. Chief Mechanic Rob Stark and his crew will burn the candle at both ends – brew up another pot of coffee, Susan. If history is any indication, the PDM Racing Team will live to drive another day.

Jimmy Kite was checked and released from Medical Center. He has been cleared to drive again.

Indianapolis, IN (May 16, 2007) - PDM Racing is proud to announce that they will be partnering with Z-Line Designs for this year's running of the Indianapolis 500. Jimmy Kite, the driver for the #18 Z-Line PDM team, will be seated in an orange and black painted car emblazoned with the Z-Line logo. Z-Line Design is the nation's leading import manufacturer of read-to-assemble home office and home entertainment furniture.

Indianapolis, IN (May 3, 2007) - Jimmy Kite to Drive the #18 PDM Racing entry at the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500

With the month of May finally upon us, PDM Racing is currently undergoing updates to the Panoz chassis, so that it is ready for this year's event. At the forefront are major modifications to the cooling system as required due to the Indy Racing Series change this year to 100% ethanol. The chassis should be back at PDM Headquarters by Friday.

Also, the team has signed an engine lease with Honda and are awaiting delivery.

Indianapolis, IN (April 24, 2007) - As opening day quickly approaches the team is diligently preparing the car for the 91^st running of the Indianapolis 500. Paul Diatlovich, Owner and General Manager of PDM Racing could not help point out the significance of this year’s race.

“Here we are a small Indianapolis based team that has been involved with this race since the inception of the Indy Racing League, again preparing for another run at the “greatest spectacle in racing”. But what makes it exciting this year for PDM Racing, is we will have the best race entry number on the track, #18

which of course, coincides with the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLI and quarterback of the Super Bowl XLI Champion Indianapolis Colts, #18, Peyton Manning. This could be a very magical year for #18 PDM Racing.”

As announced, Peyton Manning will be the Grand Marshal of the IPL 500 Festival Parade and will be waving the green flag for the start of the 91^st running of the Indianapolis 500.

Paul Diatlovich will serve as General Manager and legendary Indy car builder A.J. Watson team manager.

PDM Racing will field the No. 18 Dallara/Honda/Firestone, with a backup Panoz chassis entered (No. 18T). An announcement on the driver will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Press Release Source: Uniden America Corporation

Uniden America Sponsors Latest Rookie Sensation at the Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 26, 2006--Uniden America Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wireless consumer electronics, today announced its proud partnership with rookie phenomenon Thiago Medeiros as the driver of the #18 PDM Racing Panoz Honda for this year's Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28.

While this weekend will mark his first Indianapolis 500, Medeiros is already a seasoned driver as the 2004 Indy Racing League Infiniti Pro Series Champion. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Medeiros made a name for himself by rallying from a crash earlier in the week to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

"Uniden is thrilled to partner with Medeiros as he races to win the prestigious 2006 Indianapolis 500," said Larry Johannes, senior director of marketing for Uniden America Corporation. "As America's prime sports car racing event, the Indianapolis 500 represents the ultimate partnership opportunity for our company as we look to boost our brand visibility with the growing racing fan base."

Uniden is a well-known brand in the racing community with its sponsorship of #19 Daytona Prototype driven by Memo Gidley in the Rolex Sports Car Series.

About Uniden

Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufactures and markets wireless consumer electronic products including cordless telephones, business telecommunications systems, VOIP telephones, Bearcat® scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios, CB radios, and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden sells its products through dealers and distributors throughout North, Central and South America.

Contact:
Uniden America Corp.
Larry Johannes, 817-858-3465
ljohannes@uniden.com
or
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Regan Petersen, 303-332-3896
regan.petersen@ogilvypr.com

Indianapolis, IN (May 25, 2006) - The Make-A-Wish Foundation® has joined PDM Racing as an associate sponsor for the teams' effort for Sunday's Indianapolis 500.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. "We are extremely proud to have the Make-A- Wish Foundation apart of this journey," said Jeff Matthews, Associate Partner of PDM Racing. "It is our goal to promote the foundation well this weekend, and will display Make-A-Wish on our car."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Indiana has fulfilled the individual wishes of 222 local children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in the last fiscal year.With your help, we can do even more. Currently there are 287 pending wishes in Indiana. To find out how you can help share the power of a wish®, contact Executive Director Rhett Cecil at 317-636-6060 or check out the website at www.makeawishindiana.org.

Indianapolis, IN (May 17, 2006) - Finally! After waiting through the rains, PDM and driver Thiago Medeiros took to the track today. What started off as a sunny day, turned to clouds and wind, and what we have all been accustom to this month, a rain shortened day of practice.

The team was the first out on the track this morning at 11:45 am, and ran a total of thirty six laps before the track was closed to to the weather. Thiago wasted little time in getting comfortable, and immediately got the car "flat out" all around the 2.5 mile oval. Thiago's best lap of the day was 41.527 seconds (216.724 mph).

"I was very comfortable in the car today," said Thiago. "We are working our way up gradually, and are making good progress." Team President, Paul Diatlovich likes the progress as well. "We are doing exactly what we need to do in order to get Thiago more comfortable," Diatlovich said. "He is doing a fantastic job, and expect to trim the car out as the comfort level continues to climb."

The team will take to the track tomorrow for practice. Stay tuned for more updates.

Indianapolis, IN (May 8, 2006) -PDM Racing would like to welcome Indianapolis based sunglass manufacturer, Fatheadz , Inc., as an associate sponsor and marketing partner for the Indianapolis 500, along with the teams' USAC Silver Crown program.

"We are delighted to have Rico and his company involved this month, and hope to grow our relationship," Said Jeff Matthews, Director of Marketing. "Rico took a great concept, and developed it into a fantastic product."

Fatheadz, Inc., founded by local entrepreneur Rico Elmore, specializes in manufacturing sunglasses for plus size heads that are both functional and stylish. They have several options and styles to choose from, along with a line for the average consumer as well. You can find them at www.fatheadz.com.

Indianapolis, IN (May 7, 2006)- PDM Racing is extremely proud to announce Thiago Medeiros as the driver of the #18 PDM Racing Honda powered Panoz for this years’ running of the Indianapolis 500.

Medeiros, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the 2004 Indy Racing League Infiniti Pro Series Champion, and is currently driving for PDM in the USAC Silver Crown Series. “We have been building a great relationship with Thiago over the past several months through our Silver Crown program, and we couldn’t be happier to have him drive for PDM this month at Indy,” said Team President, Paul Diatlovich. “We have been working on Thiago’s program for some time without his knowledge of it, which was very difficult to do considering the amount of time that he likes to spend in the shop. Needless to say, he was pleasantly surprised.”

Thiago’s comments reflect the surprise that Diatlovich described. “This is unbelievable,” said Mederios, who will be competing for the 2006 JPMorgan Chase Rookie of the Year honors. “I knew that the guys were working on something for the ‘500,’ but never thought it was for me. I am very thankful to everyone involved in putting this together.”

When asked about running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Thiago comments, “I plan to work my way up to speed, and not rush into getting fast right away. Even though we won’t be out until the second week of practice, that will still be enough time to get comfortable.”

The PDM effort is being supported by STP and Royal Spa, with more sponsorship announcements coming soon. The team will take to the track today and tomorrow as participants in the Rookie Orientation Program.

Indianapolis, IN (April 3, 2006)- Principle Team Owner Paul Diatlovich officially submitted an entry for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 28th.

PDM Racing, which has been a participant in the Indy Racing League since it's inception in 1996, has fielded cars, and has been associated with the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in each of those years. Brad Brewer has been selected as Chief Mechanic, and Paul Diatlovich will also serve as General Manager. An announcement on the driver and chassis combination will be made in the coming weeks.

Homestead, FL (March 25, 2006)- If there were any questions regarding the new generation Silver Crown car's ability to draft and race side-by-side should have all been answered at the conclusion of Saturday Evening's event at Homestead.

Aaron Pierce, driving the #26 Sam Pierce Chevrolet/Riley started the race from the pole position with the quick time of 30.855 seconds (173.262 mph), and drove a tremendously spirited race to just get edged out of the top spot by Bryan Tyler in the closing laps. "I had alot of fun today," said Pierce. "I knew we had a strong car from the minute we got to the track, but just couldn't hold on to it at the end." Aaron went on to say, "We have been very competitive in both events so far, and I know that our time is coming."

Thiago Medeiros, PDM Racing's newest addition, didn't have the same kind of weekend as his teammate. Medeiros, the 2004 IRL Infiniti Pro Series Champion, was involved in a single car accident in turn two during Friday's practice that prevented the newcomer a chance to start in his first USAC Silver Crown race. "I am disappointed for sure because we were getting more comfortable with the car," said Medeiros. "We will get back to Indianapolis, fix the car, and get some valuable testing in before the next race."

The next USAC Silver Crown pavement race is on June 16th at the Kentucky Motor Speedway and will be ran in conjunction with the NASCAR Busch Series.

Homestead, FL (March 23, 2006) - The PDM Racing team and it's drivers have gotten off to a good start in preparation for Saturday's 100 mile race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Muncie Indiana's Aaron Pierce, driving the #26 Sam Pierce Chevrolet/Riley topped today's time charts with the quick time of 31.517 seconds (169.623 mph). This is the second day in a row that pierce has led all practice times. "We have a really, really good race car," exclaimed Aaron. "The car was so strong, and it handled very well in and out of traffic." Aaron went on to say, "I think there is a few tenths left in it and in me. I have to again thank all the guys at PDM for where we are on the time charts. it's a reflection in all of their hard work."

PDM Racing's newest driver, Thiago Medeiros, had a very successful day as well. Medeiros, a native of Sao Palo, Brazil, posted the seventh fastest time in only 35 laps of practice, with a time of 32.213 seconds (165.958 mph). This is even more impressive considering that Medeiros has only had a handful of laps in his #18 STP/PDM Racing Special due to a motor issue during yesterday's first practice. "I am learning alot, and am trying to learn these cars as quickly as possible," said Medeiros. "These cars are so much fun to drive because it takes great skill to learn the limits, and with more practice tomorrow, I hope to improve even more."

The next practice session begins tomorrow at noon eastern time. Check in for more updates as they become available.

Indianapolis, IN (February 22, 2006) - The United States Auto Club’s Silver Crown division will have yet another participant beginning at Homestead as Thiago Medeiros has signed with PDM Racing to compete in the remaining pavement events on the 2006 schedule.

Medeiros, who clinched the 2004 Menards Infiniti Pro Series Championship in the Indy Racing League by capturing eight pole positions and six wins during his title run, sees this as a great challenge. “This is an exciting opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to get started at Homestead,” said Thiago. “This is definitely a different type of racing than what I have been accustomed to, but that’s one of the things that is attractive to me, along with competing with great competitors like Dave Steele and Brian Tyler.” Medeiros is most familiar with these drivers for their successes within the USAC ranks, along with their respective experience in the IRL. Thiago went on stating: “Silver Crown is a step in the right direction for the consolidation of my career in the US.”

Thiago was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the new generation Silver Crown car for the first time at the recent open test at Homestead Miami Speedway. Thiago had a limited, but successful number of laps, enough to peak his interest. “The power is fantastic,” Medeiros said with a smile. “This will be a lot of fun.” Thiago was assisted at the test by driver and car owner Rodney Weesner, along with Aaron Pierce, who will be Thiago’s teammate at PDM. “These guys were a lot of help, and I think Aaron and I will work very well together.”

Phoenix, AZ (January 22, 2006)- PDM Driver Aaron Pierce once again set the quickest time in this morning's final practice. "I think we are where we need to be," said Paul Diatlovich. "Aaron seems to be pleased with the set up, so then, we are too." Paul did make mention of the race being separate from practice. "We feel good about our package, but we have cautioned ourselves. This is a race, where anything can happen."

Phoenix, AZ (January 21, 2006)- Muncie Indiana's Aaron Pierce will start from the third position for Sunday's Copper World Classic, USAC Silver Crown race. Aaron was fast in both practice sessions that led up to qualifying, but found the car to be off from where it was during practice. "The car was wicked loose, but I think that was due to all of the rubber that was laid down from the stock cars," Pierce said. "I think we'll be alright for the race."

There will be a brief practice session Sunday morning. We will continue to provide updates from PIR.

Phoenix, AZ (January 20, 2006)- The opening practice session for the Copper World Classic proved to be a productive one, as Aaron Pierce steered the #26 Sam Pierce Chevrolet/PDM Racing/Riley to the head of the field.

Pierce, of Daleville, Ind., clocked in at 27.372 seconds (131.521 mph) on the one-mile, leading veterans Bud Kaeding and Jerry Coons Jr. in a session which featured more than 260 completed laps for the new generation cars.

“The car was really good,” said Pierce, who made 45 trips around the track. “Once the track got some rubber down, times started to get quicker. It was pretty much just getting laps under our belts for everybody.

“The PDM Racing guys should be commended for getting the car prepared as well as they did,” he added.

Track activity for Saturday begins with a practice session at 8:30 am, and qualifying at 3 pm. Check back for Saturday's results.

Phoenix, AZ (January, 19, 2006)- After months of preparation, the team made it's way to Phoenix for this weekend's Copper World Classic, which will be held on Sunday, January 22nd.

"We have gone through the car extensively, and believe we are well prepared for this weekend's event," said Paul Diatlovich, Team Principal of PDM Racing. "We think we have a good package; a good car, a good driver, and a good crew, and hope we will show well in the race."

Crew Chief on the #26 Sam Pierce Chevrolet/Riley is Brad Brewer, hailing from Indianapolis. "I am looking forward to this opportunity," said Brad. "I think this series will be very successful, and I am happy to be apart of it."

Practice begins at 2 pm on Friday. We will provide updates as the weekend progresses.

Indianapolis, IN (December 7, 2005) - Officials with PDM Racing have reached an agreement with Sam Pierce Racing to run the 2006 Silver Crown Series with driver, Aaron Pierce. “We are very excited for the opportunity to participate in the series, and to work with Sam and Aaron this year,” said Paul Diatlovich, Team Principal with PDM Racing. “We have known Aaron for several years, and are aware of his talent, and his abilities. We look forward to aiding in the development of Aaron’s career, and hope for a successful future together.”

PDM may be new to the series this year, but does have experience with the new generation Silver Crown car. The team worked in conjunction with the United States Auto Club and Riley Technologies this past fall to conduct the initial test program for the car. “We learned a great deal from the testing program, and will apply that data to our program,” said Diatlovich.

The team will take delivery of the Riley chassis later this week, and will have it prepared in time for the Copper Classic, which is on January 22, 2006. Sponsorship for the effort will be announced soon.

Indianapolis, IN (November 15, 2005) - With the racing season coming to an end, PDM has been keeping busy testing the new USAC Silver Crown pavement car that will debut at the Copper Classic in Phoenix on January 22, 2006.

The Indianapolis based team has been working in conjunction with the United States Auto Club, along with car manufacturer Riley Technologies, for the past three months. "The goal of the test program was to provide USAC and Hoosier Tires critical information, which we feel will ultimately make the cars better," said Paul Diatlovich, Team Principal of PDM. "We have learned quite a bit so far, and that alone is valuable." Diatlovich went on to say, "This has been a little different from what we have been doing for the past few years, but it has been quite a bit of fun. I think we are pretty close to putting a deal together for next year."

The bulk of the on track testing has been conducted at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Kansas Speedway, and Homestead-Miami Speedway. The job of piloting the car has been shared by Jay Drake, Jason McCord, and the 2005 USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Champion, Dave Steele.

THE MISSION: In 2006, the United States Auto Club will present a new version of its traditional Silver Crown racing machine, which is designed to take the traditional open-wheel race car and advance it to appearances at larger and higher profile venues than previously available, while growing the opportunities for series partiicipants.

ABOUT THE CAR: The new Silver Crown pavement car debuted at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show last December in Indianapolis, and incorporates numerous safety advantages over its previous design. More stability, crushable sidepods, attenuators, and a redesigned fuel cell are all part of the new design, aimed at increased safety on America's larger ovals. The cars will compete in 100 mile races, weigh approximately 1,700 lbs., and are powered by 750 HP V-8 engines. Top speeds are expected to reach 185 MPH.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Silver Crown Series is a 12-16 race series conducted on a variety of speedways across America between January and October to determine the USAC National Champion.

PDM Racing is expecting to make an announcement in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to pdmracing.com for further information. For more information on the USAC Silver Crown Series, please visit, www.usacracing.com

Indianapolis, IN (May 6, 2005) - Team Principals from Roth Racing and PDM Racing have announced that they will join forces in preparation for this months’ Indianapolis 500.

Marty Roth, who is the owner/driver for the #4 Menards Infiniti Pro Series car, will be making a possible second start in as many attempts in the #25 Roth/PDM Racing Chevy powered Dallara for the Indy 500, being held on Sunday, May 29^th.

Roth, a native of Toronto, Canada, has been competing in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series since 2002, with a best finish of 4^th place at Chicagoland Speedway. In 2004, Marty competed in his first Indy 500, starting 32^nd, and finishing in 24^th place. “I can’t wait to run the 500 this year,” exclaimed Roth. “The team has grown over this past year, and we have been able to improve our staff and equipment.” Roth went on to say, “We have really taken a step forward in terms of adding experience and expertise. First we brought in Pancho Carter as race strategist, then Steve Erickson as Engineer, and now we have aligned ourselves with PDM who brings with them many years of experience in running the 500, as well as a relationship with Chevy. The combination of Roth Racing, PDM and Chevrolet, whose performance this year has been outstanding, should provide us with a strong entry for the Indy 500.”

PDM Racing, who has been competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1996, has had several respectable months of May, and hopes for as good, if not better results this month. “We are very pleased to partner with Marty and his team for the Indy 500,” said Paul Diatlovich, Team Principal for PDM. “I have known many of the guys on the team for over twenty years, and know that they are a very talented group.” Diatlovich went on to say, “We are excited for this opportunity, and especially excited about the package (Chevy/Dallara/Firestone) in which we plan on competing with for 500 miles.”

The team will be moving into the Speedway this week, and will be preparing for opening day, which is Tuesday, May 10^th.

Indianapolis, IN (September 6, 2004) - PDM Racing’s Principal Owner Paul Diatlovich announced the addition of Hayden Harris as General Partner and Jeff Matthews as Associate Partner to the team today.

Harris is a general partner and co-founder of EDF Ventures, a venture capital company, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1977, Harris founded Enterprise Management, Inc. a provider of financial and managerial assistance to companies with high-growth prospects. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Emerald Bio Agriculture, Inc., and Media Station, Inc. He co-founded TherOx, Inc. and Xtera Communications, Inc. He was Chairman, CEO and majority shareholder of Software Services Corporation. Harris was appointed by the Michigan governor to the Corporate Board and Executive Committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state's leading economic development authority. Hayden has been involved with racing for many years, most recently with his partnerships in Rev-1 Racing in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series®, and with Blair Racing in the IndyCar Series®. He brings a wealth of business experience, along with his knowledge and passion for racing.

Matthews has been a long time supporter of PDM, and has been involved with the team since 1998. Professionally, he has been in Sales and Project Management in the Commercial Construction/Interior Finishes field. Matthews also serves on the Town of Speedway Parks and Recreation Board, along with other local political activities. He will remain the acting Marketing and Public Relations Director for the team.

Diatlovich believes the two additions are very positive. “I am very excited to add these two gentlemen to the management team,” remarks Diatlovich. “Several opportunities exist for us presently, and with Hayden and Jeff pulling together, I believe we are on the verge of something great for ourselves as well as the league.”

The team continues to work towards building for the 2005 season, and hopes to make an announcement in the coming months.

	Fan favorite Jimmy Kite has agreed to drive in this years' Indy 500 for the colorful, exciting and always entertaining PDM Racing, Inc. The car will be prepared in the home of PDM racing, the former Leader Card Racers facility owned by the legendary A J Watson. This build will be spearheaded by the capable hands of veteran chief mechanic Rob Stark hailing out of Cucamonga , California . PDM looks to have their Panoz chassis powered by Honda on the famed two and a half mile oval during the second week of practice.

	Could this be deja-vu all over again? Back in 2003, Kite and PDM teamed up for the Indianapolis 500 and it was a magical run at the Brickyard. Starting in 32nd position, Jimmy finished the race in 13^th place. For those keeping score, with regards to start-finish positioning, Jimmy was the most improved for the field that year.