PDM Racing prepares for Phoenix.

PDM Racing is looking to build on the momentum generated by an eleventh place finish in the Indy Racing League's first race in 2002.

PDM Racing driver, Tyce Carlson successfully battled fellow IRL stars last Saturday, March 2 in Homestead, Florida.

The team started the race 22nd on the grid and made steady progress through the field for the three-hundred mile event.

Carlson said: "I really believe we accomplished what we came here for, and we're ready for the Phoenix race. As the race went on, the track came to us. We kept making the correct changes on the car, and that's what we need to do to be a competitive racing team. Our goals coming into Homestead were to get me comfortable with the car and finish the race. As a team, we accomplished both goals."

"Homestead was a great opportunity for my two biggest supporters to work together for the first time. Jim Immke and Paul Diatlovich have been with me for my entire career. I am also happy to add Larry Arnold to the mix. Homestead was the first time we all worked together. These are professional gentleman and are treating this as a professional business venture. I believe it is paying off for everyone involved."

The team is heading out West again this week for the second race of the 2002 Indy Racing League season. Phoenix International Raceway plays host to the Bombardier ATV Copper World Indy 200 on Sunday, March 17.

Tyce Carlson concluded: "The team's finish in Homestead gives us a lot of confidence entering Phoenix. Phoenix is a track that I can perform at. In 1999 and 2000 I ran the fastest race laps at Phoenix. It's one of my favourite tracks. Our goals are to qualify in the top 10 and achieve a podium finish. The set-up on this car is as comfortable as the cars in '99 and '00 and I believe that we will have a competitive car in the race."

Phoenix International Raceway, opened in 1964, is owned and operated by International Speedway Corp. The facility features a unique "dogleg" bend on the backstraight. 76,812 permanent seats plus the hillside surround the oval that has been the site of 57 Indy-style races.

In addition to the Indy Racing League, PIR plays host to events sanctioned by NASCAR, USAC and Grand American Sports Car Series.

The Bombardier ATV Copper World Indy 200 marks the seventh consecutive year that the Indy Racing League has visited Phoenix International Raceway. There has not been a repeat winner at Phoenix in the history of the series. Winners of previous Indy Racing events at PIR are: Arie Luyendyk (1996), Jim Guthrie (1997), Scott Sharp (1998), Scott Goodyear (1999), Buddy Lazier (2000) and Sam Hornish Jr. (2001).