Montreal, Quebec, March 28, 2006 - Andrew Ranger, the Canadian race-car driver who is coming off a promising rookie season that saw him earn 10th place in the Champ Car World Series drivers' standings, begins preparations for the 2006 campaign this week with a two-day testing session with the Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team on the Fontana, California road course.
While Ranger runs testing laps on Wednesday and Thursday, efforts will continue to secure additional sponsorship that will enable the 19-year-old Roxton Pond, Quebec driver to compete in a full Champ Car schedule. Ranger is currently set to race in the season opener at Long Beach, California, on April 9, as well as the three Canadian stops on the schedule, in Toronto (July 9), Edmonton (July 23) and Montreal (Aug. 27).
"It's still very much a work in progress," said Ranger's agent Alan Labrosse. "Thus far, we have managed to put together a package for the four races, but the ultimate goal is to give Andrew an opportunity to showcase his considerable talent and be able to contend for the championship. Andrew is one of the most promising young talents in the series, along with being a fine ambassador and spokesperson for his sponsors, and it would be unfortunate to see the career of a rising Canadian star compromised in this manner."
Procter & Gamble Canada, a partner from day one through its Tide brand, has taken the lead in supporting Andrew's career. Other key partners for the 2006 season include Folgers, Kodak, Duracell, Kellogg Canada and Sharpie.
"I can't say enough about the tremendous support from P&G Canada and their belief in Andrew both on and off the track," said Labrosse. "They have been instrumental in bringing other sponsors on board, but we need to find more partners who share the same commitment and vision."
Despite the uncertainty that surrounds his full-season status for the 2006 Champ Car season, Ranger is looking forward to putting his Mi-Jack Conquest car through its paces and providing the crew with feedback to help the fine-tuning process leading up to the season-opener.
"My focus is always on the competitive side of it, and I leave the business part to my agent," said Ranger. "Last year, we had a goal to finish in the top 10, and we managed to achieve that. I've spent several years climbing the racing ranks in pursuit of my dream and I'm hoping, for myself and everyone who has supported me that I'll be able to keep it going."
Ranger burst quickly from the starting line when he garnered his first podium in only his second race when he drove to a second-place finish in Monterrey, Mexico, becoming the youngest driver ever to earn a Champ Car podium. He recorded five other top-10 finishes on the way to a 140-point season. At the tender age of 18, Ranger finished second to the seasoned Timo Glock in the series' rookie standings.
- From Torchia Communications
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