Matos To Take Luczo Dragon Wheel At Indy In Full-Time 2009 Drive

Firestone Indy Lights Champion Moves To IndyCar Series

By Tim Harms
indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Luczo Dragon Racing has signed Firestone Indy Lights champion Raphael Matos to a multi-year deal to drive for the team as it expands to a full-time entrant in the IndyCar Series in 2009.

The deal includes a drive for Matos in the 93^rd Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2009.

Matos, from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, won five poles and three races and led 190 laps in 2008 en route to winning the Firestone Firehawk Cup. It was his fourth championship in a development series in the last six years. He will take the wheel of the No. 12 Symantec car that contested six IndyCar Series races in 2008.

"This is an exciting day for our race team because not only are we taking that step to full-time status, we are adding a young driver who has proven to be a champion at every level he has raced," Luczo Dragon Racing co-owner Jay Penske said. "Any time you can win four championships in six years like Rafa has done, you have some special qualities. He is ready for the IndyCar Series, and we are so thrilled to have him."

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October 2008 Archive

Tue, Oct, 7^th - Matos To Take Luczo Dragon Wheel At Indy In Full-Time 2009 Drive
Fri, Oct, 3^rd - Indianapolis 500 History Class Now Available In October Session
Thu, Oct, 2^nd - Indy 500 Champions De Ferran, Dixon Teaming Up At Petit Le Mans

September 2008 Archive

Tue, Sep, 30^th - '500' Veterans Help Firestone Racing Develop Tires At Indy
Mon, Sep, 29^th - Indy Winner Wheldon Feels At Home Quickly In Return To Panther
Sat, Sep, 27^th - Newman's Passion For Motor Racing Started, Flourished At Indianapolis
Sat, Sep, 27^th - Tony George Statement On The Passing Of Paul Newman
Thu, Sep, 25^th - Four-Time Indy 500 Winner Foyt Picks Meira For 2009 Drive
Mon, Sep, 22^nd - Wheldon Takes CBS News Anchor For Fun, Fast Ride At IMS
Fri, Sep, 5^th - Danica Takes Hot Laps In Madden Cruiser At IMS

August 2008 Archive

Wed, Aug, 13^th - 2009 Firestone Freedom 100 Scheduled For May 22 At IMS
Tue, Aug, 12^th - Indy Veterans Andretti, Goldsmith To Join Motorsports Hall Of Fame
Thu, Aug, 7^th - ABC, IMS Extend Indianapolis 500 Partnership Through 2012
Mon, Aug, 4^th - Indianapolis 500 Veteran Weld Dies At 64

July 2008 Archive

Sat, Jul, 26^th - Winning Indianapolis 500 Riding Mechanic Dunham Dies At 96
Wed, Jul, 16^th - Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Castroneves Honored As Top Racer
Wed, Jul, 16^th - Popular Indy 500 Veteran Fisher Returning With Dollar General

June 2008 Archive

Thu, Jun, 12^th - IMS, IRL Donate $100,000 To Belle Isle, Hole In The Wall Camps
Sat, Jun, 7^th - Legendary ABC Indianapolis 500 Announcer McKay Dies At 86
Tue, Jun, 3^rd - Dixon Enjoys Sharing Memories Of Indy Victory With Letterman

May 2008 Archive

Fri, May, 30^th - Renew 2009 Indy 500 Tickets Online By June 9, Receive Free DVD
Thu, May, 29^th - Tour Bus Takes Dixon For Ride Down Memory Lane At Indy
Tue, May, 27^th - Proud Papas: Dads Of Dixon, Ganassi Beaming Over Indy 500 Victory
Mon, May, 26^th - Dixon Earns Record $2.98 Million From 92nd Indianapolis 500 Purse
Sun, May, 25^th - 2006 MotoGP World Champ Hayden Enjoys Ride In Indy 500 Spotlight
Sun, May, 25^th - Second, Third, Top Rookie Press Conference Transcript
Sun, May, 25^th - Winner's Press Conference Transcript
Sun, May, 25^th - 92nd Indianapolis 500 Post-Race Quotes
Sun, May, 25^th - Celebrities Thrilled By Complete Indianapolis 500 Experience
Sun, May, 25^th - Dixon Wins 92nd Indianapolis 500!
Sun, May, 25^th - Leads 115 Laps For First Indianapolis 500 Victory
Sat, May, 24^th - J. Andretti Rolls With Changes Through Three Decades At Indy
Sat, May, 24^th - Race Day At The Track: Sunday, May 25
Sat, May, 24^th - Indy 500 Race Countdown Begins With Public Drivers' Meeting
Sat, May, 24^th - Firestone Freedom 100 Top Three Transcript
Sat, May, 24^th - Firestone Freedom 100 Post-Race Quotes
Sat, May, 24^th - Battistini Wins Thrilling Firestone Freedom 100
Fri, May, 23^rd - Tomorrow At The Track: Saturday, May 24
Fri, May, 23^rd - Plenty Of Celebrity Star Power At 92nd Indianapolis 500
Fri, May, 23^rd - Honda Power To Remain In Indianapolis 500 Through 2013
Fri, May, 23^rd - ESPN Distribution Of '500' Exceeds 375 Million Households Worldwide
Fri, May, 23^rd - Firestone Freedom 100 Moved To Saturday Due To Rain
Thu, May, 22^nd - Long, Lost Home: Relatives Of Ruttman, Revson Relish Return To IMS
Thu, May, 22^nd - Tomorrow At The Track: Friday, May 23
Thu, May, 22^nd - McDonald's Pit Stop Challenge Showcases Top Indy 500 Crews
Thu, May, 22^nd - NBC 'Nightly News With Brian Williams' To Air May 23 From IMS
Thu, May, 22^nd - Battistini Edges Davison For SWE Pole For Firestone Freedom 100
Wed, May, 21^st - McDonald's, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Form Partnership
Wed, May, 21^st - Olympic Champion Yamaguchi Serving As Indy 500 Honorary Starter
Wed, May, 21^st - Tomorrow At The Track: Thursday, May 22
Tue, May, 20^th - Mutoh Leads Talented Rookie Crop This Year At Indy
Tue, May, 20^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Wednesday, May 21
Tue, May, 20^th - Carpenter Quietly Climbs Into Contending Position At Indy
Mon, May, 19^th - AAA School Safety Patrol Award Winners To Be Honored At Indy 500
Mon, May, 19^th - Indy 500 Coverage Expanding This Weekend On ABC, ESPN Networks
Mon, May, 19^th - Indy 500 Field Visits New York For Media Blitz, Museum Tour
Sun, May, 18^th - Bump Day Press Conference Transcript
Sun, May, 18^th - Bump Day Qualifying Quotes
Sun, May, 18^th - Different Paths Lead To Indy 500 Starting Spot For G. Rahal, Coyne
Sun, May, 18^th - Lazier Bumps Into Field In Dramatic Final Moments; Roth Hangs On
Sat, May, 17^th - Fisher's Perseverance Pays Off With Solid Qualifying Spot
Sat, May, 17^th - Third Day Qualifying Quotes
Sat, May, 17^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Sunday, May 18
Sat, May, 17^th - Field Fills With 33; Roth On Bump Day Bubble At 215
Fri, May, 16^th - Fan Photo Gives Extra Splash To Indianapolis 500 Ticket
Fri, May, 16^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Saturday, May 17
Fri, May, 16^th - Bishop Variable Ratio Steering System Wins Schwitzer Award
Fri, May, 16^th - Dixon, Helio, Briscoe Duel At 223; Power Fast Before Crash
Thu, May, 15^th - Plenty Of Fun For Fans During Coke Zero 500 College Fest May 17
Thu, May, 15^th - IMS Joins Forces With Fisher House To Salute America's Heroes
Thu, May, 15^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Friday, May 16
Thu, May, 15^th - Penske Pair Top Charts At 223; Power Gaining Speed For Weekend
Wed, May, 14^th - Veterans Yasukawa, Giebler Land Rides For Indy
Wed, May, 14^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Thursday, May 15
Wed, May, 14^th - Frank's Named Official Energy Drink Of Indianapolis 500
Wed, May, 14^th - Short Day Adds Pressure To Teams Heading Into Final Weekend
Tue, May, 13^th - Post Your Indy 500 Official Vehicle Photos For The World To See!
Tue, May, 13^th - Illinois Man Literally Knows Magic Of Indy During Month Of May
Tue, May, 13^th - Longtime Indianapolis 500 Official Graham Dies At 67
Tue, May, 13^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Wednesday, May 14
Tue, May, 13^th - Danica Appears On Cover Of This Week's Sports Illustrated
Mon, May, 12^th - Impressive Mutoh Moves To Head Of Rookie Class In Qualifying
Mon, May, 12^th - Veteran Simmons To Drive Second Foyt Entry At Indy
Sun, May, 11^th - Rahal, Scheckter Feel Agony, Ecstasy Of Chase For 11th Spot
Sun, May, 11^th - Front Row Press Conference Transcript
Sun, May, 11^th - Rain Washes Out Second Day Qualifying
Sat, May, 10^th - ESPN2, IMS Radio Network To Provide Sunday Coverage
Sat, May, 10^th - Pole Day Qualifying Quotes
Sat, May, 10^th - Pole Winner's Press Conference Transcript
Sat, May, 10^th - IRL, IMS Adopt Hole In The Wall Camps As Charitable Partner
Sat, May, 10^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Sunday, May 11
Sat, May, 10^th - J. Andretti Steps Into Roth Racing Seat For Indy 500
Sat, May, 10^th - Dixon Wins PEAK Motor Oil Pole For 92nd Indy 500
Fri, May, 9^th - ABC, ESPN2, IMS Radio Network To Provide Complete Pole Day Coverage
Fri, May, 9^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Saturday, May 10
Fri, May, 9^th - Team Penske Press Conference Transcript
Fri, May, 9^th - Listen To Bands Playing Coke Zero Stage This Month At IMS!
Fri, May, 9^th - Teams Brace For Pole Day After Rain Ends Fast Friday Early
Thu, May, 8^th - Vision Racing Wellness Tour Provides Free Health Screenings At IMS
Thu, May, 8^th - Fans Can Join In Fun At 36th 'Last Row Party' On Friday, May 23
Thu, May, 8^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Friday, May 9
Thu, May, 8^th - Indianapolis 500-Firestone Freedom 100 Speed Conversion Chart
Thu, May, 8^th - Pole Pressure Mounts As Rain Washes Away Another Practice Day
Wed, May, 7^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Thursday, May 8
Wed, May, 7^th - An interview with Bobby and Graham Rahal
Wed, May, 7^th - Watch Indy 500 Stars On 'Indy Live' Thursday Night At indy500.com
Wed, May, 7^th - Showers Wash Out Indy 500 Practice Wednesday
Tue, May, 6^th - Bell's 'Jeep' Gains Speed During First Day Of Veteran Practice
Tue, May, 6^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Wednesday, May 7
Tue, May, 6^th - Andretti Raises Speed Limit To 226 On First Day For Vets
Mon, May, 5^th - Watch Stars Of May On 'Indy Live' Tuesday Night At indy500.com
Mon, May, 5^th - Franchitti Wins Friendly Wager Through Danica's Victory
Mon, May, 5^th - Tomorrow At The Track: Tuesday, May 6
Mon, May, 5^th - Lloyd Climbs To Head Of Indy Rookie Class At 223
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Sun, May, 4^th - Power Leads Rookie Trio Past 220 On Indy 500 Opening Day
Sat, May, 3^rd - Tomorrow At The Track: Sunday, May 4
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Sat, May, 3^rd - Hamilton To Return To '500" Again With Vision Racing
Fri, May, 2^nd - 92nd Indianapolis 500 Television, Radio Schedule
Fri, May, 2^nd - ABC, ESPN, IMS Radio Network Providing In-Depth Indy 500 Coverage
Fri, May, 2^nd - IndyGo To Resume Park And Ride Shuttle Service To 2008 Indy 500
Fri, May, 2^nd - This Week At The Track: May 4-10
Thu, May, 1^st - Bronze Badges Provide Great Access; Legends To Talk With Fans
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April 2008 Archive

Wed, Apr, 30^th - 1996 Winner B. Lazier To Team Up Again With Hemelgarn For Indy 500
Wed, Apr, 30^th - IMS Offering General Admission Season Ticket To Three Events
Tue, Apr, 29^th - Make Your Indy 500 Opening Day, Pole Weekend Plans Today!
Mon, Apr, 28^th - Tight Pack Of Top Drivers Zeroes In On Indy After Kansas Race
Mon, Apr, 28^th - Unsers To Be Honored, Sign Autographs On Indy 500 Opening Day
Fri, Apr, 25^th - Firestone Indy Lights Vet Camara Climbs To Indy 500 With Conquest
Fri, Apr, 25^th - 2006 World Champ Hayden To Ride IMS Oval On Indy 500 Race Day
Thu, Apr, 24^th - Top Boxer Mayweather To Serve As Honorary Starter Of 92nd Indy 500
Wed, Apr, 23^rd - Dominguez To Lead Pacific Coast Motorsports' Charge Into Indy
Tue, Apr, 22^nd - Danica Set For Blitz Of National TV Appearances This Week
Tue, Apr, 22^nd - Stellar Music Lineup To Perform In May At IMS During Indy 500
Mon, Apr, 21^st - IPL 500 Festival Parade Tickets Now Available
Fri, Apr, 11^th - Matos Tops Firestone Indy Lights Open Test At Indianapolis
Fri, Apr, 11^th - Three Winners, Impressive Rookies Named To 92nd Indianapolis 500 Field
Wed, Apr, 9^th - Fittipaldi Excited About Return to Indy; Drivers Predict Intense Competition
Wed, Apr, 9^th - Target Chip Ganassi Racing Press Conference Transcript
Wed, Apr, 9^th - Chip Ganassi-Alex Lloyd-Bobby Rahal Press Conference Transcript
Wed, Apr, 9^th - Rahal Letterman, Ganassi To Field Indianapolis 500 Entry For Lloyd
Wed, Apr, 9^th - Cheever To Serve As Analyst For Indy 500 Coverage On ESPN, ABC
Wed, Apr, 9^th - Emerson Fittipaldi Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Penske Racing Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Graham Rahal-Justin Wilson Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Tony George Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Sarah Fisher Racing Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Joie Chitwood Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Brian Barnhart-Terry Angstadt Press Conference Transcript
Tue, Apr, 8^th - George Pleased With Series Momentum; Nabors To Return To Sing At Indy
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Fisher Ready To Run Indianapolis 500 With New Sponsor
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Firestone To Award $50,000 To Final Indianapolis 500 Qualifier
Tue, Apr, 8^th - Recording Artist, 'Dancing' Champion Hough To Sing National Anthem At Indy
Mon, Apr, 7^th - Popular Indy 500 Veteran Fisher To Mix Drinks April 9 For Charity
Thu, Apr, 3^rd - DIRECTV Becomes Premiere Official Sponsor Of IndyCar Series

March 2008 Archive

Mon, Mar, 31^st - Join Indy 500 Drivers, Celebrities In 'The Rollie' Golf Event May 21
Wed, Mar, 26^th - Firestone Freedom 100 To Feature Firestone Indy Lights May 23 At IMS
Wed, Mar, 19^th - PEAK Motor Oil To Sponsor Indianapolis 500 Pole, Front Row
Mon, Mar, 17^th - 2007 Indianapolis 500 Opening Nominated For Sports Emmy Award
Fri, Mar, 14^th - Fan Stories, Photos Posted At IMS Site To Appear In Indy 500 Program
Tue, Mar, 11^th - Stone Temple Pilots To Headline Miller Lite Carb Day Concert May 23
Thu, Mar, 6^th - Fans Can Enjoy IndyCar Opener At '500' Preview Party March 29 At IMS
Wed, Mar, 5^th - Unser Jr. To Coach IndyCar Series Drivers, Eyes Indy 500 Return
Tue, Mar, 4^th - Papis Named To Drive For New Rubicon Team At Indianapolis 500
Mon, Mar, 3^rd - 33 Young Women Selected To Serve As 500 Festival Princesses This May

February 2008 Archive

Wed, Feb, 27^th - Fisher Starting New Team At Indy With Support From Guthrie, St. James
Tue, Feb, 26^th - 1986 Indy 500 Winner Rahal To Speak At Breakfast At The Brickyard
Wed, Feb, 20^th - 500 Festival-Indy 500 Theme 'Fuels The Dream' Of Fans, Participants
Tue, Feb, 19^th - Six-Time Indianapolis 500 Starter Karl Dies At 66
Mon, Feb, 18^th - Scheckter Lands Luczo Dragon Ride For Indianapolis
Tue, Feb, 5^th - Record Enrollment For 2008 500 Festival-Indy 500 Education Program
Sat, Feb, 2^nd - 500 Festival Opens Online Volunteer Registration System For 2008

January 2008 Archive

Mon, Jan, 28^th - Gregoire Seeks Rolex-Indy-Le Mans Racing Trifecta In 2008
Fri, Jan, 25^th - IMS Racing Kickoff Party Feb. 17 To Benefit Vogler Scholarship Fund
Wed, Jan, 23^rd - Davidson Remembers Unique, Witty 'Palmerisms'
Tue, Jan, 22^nd - Legendary IMS Radio Network Voice Palmer Dies At 75
Fri, Jan, 18^th - Andretti Surprises 'Supernanny' Subjects With Emotional IMS Visit
Tue, Jan, 15^th - Humble Franchitti Proud Of Borg-Warner Trophy Prestige
Mon, Jan, 14^th - Indy 500 Champ Franchitti Wins Titus Trophy As Top Driver Of 2007
Thu, Jan, 10^th - Indy 500 Broadcast To Feature New 360-Degree Onboard HD Cameras
Fri, Jan, 4^th - Briscoe Looking Forward To New Year, Indy With Team Penske
Thu, Jan, 3^rd - Applications For 500 Festival Princess Program Due Friday

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Firestone Indy Lights Champion Moves To IndyCar Series

By Tim Harmsindianapolismotorspeedway.com

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Indianapolis 500 History Class Now Available In October Session

Indy 500 Champions De Ferran, Dixon Teaming Up At Petit Le Mans

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Indy Winner Wheldon Feels At Home Quickly In Return To Panther

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