PDM orders first 2003 Dallara.

Seemingly against all the odds, Indy Racing League minnows PDM Racing have ordered their first 2003 Dallara chassis and are still planning on attending the major pre-season 'Test in the West' before contesting the 2003 IRL Championship.

Paul Diatlovich's PDM Racing and its driver Scott Mayer have refused to give up on their IRL dream despite the rise in competing costs and although no primary sponsorship has yet been located for the #18 machine, the team have secured enough associate backing to order their first 2003-spec Dallara chassis.

Whilst the team weren't quick enough to get their particular chassis in amongst the first shipment of 2003 Dallara's, buy securing their order before the New Year the team have made great strides in their bid for acceptance to the 2003 'Leaders Circle' program. All potential LC teams have been given an initial deadline of January 8th to get a chassis AND engine deal sorted for the new season if they are to be considered for the program. The PDM chassis is set to arrive on January 7th.

Although PDM haven't announced an engine deal they are almost certainly expected to have a Chevrolet engine in the back of the #18 Dallara in time for the 'Test in the West.' Series rookie Mayer, who has spent the best part of the year testing for PDM, is currently the only driver in the frame for a drive with the team and, in the latest team newsletter, both owner and driver made positive noises about their chances in 2003.

The team currently have backing from Ace Rent-A-Car, Adventure RV, Carmel Cigars, Grease Monkey, Host Works, Keco Coatings, Leading Edge Motorsports, McGilvery's Pub-Speedway, Sailfish Boats, Simpson Race Products and Title Express.