Western Union, Duesenberg Brothers join IPS.

Western Union, a worldwide leader in money transfer services, will team with Duesenberg Brothers Racing for the 2003 Indy Racing League Infiniti Pro Series, Western Union officials announced Jan. 9.

"We're proud to welcome the Duesenberg name, with its rich history in automobile competition, to the Infiniti Pro Series," said Roger Bailey, executive director of the Infiniti Pro Series.

A driver for the Western Union Speed Team Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone will be announced at a later date. The team, which previously fielded entries in the USF3 and Atlantic series, plans to test its new Infiniti Pro Series car later this month at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"We are very excited to begin our fourth year as the major sponsor for Duesenberg Brothers Racing, and are looking forward to the Indy Racing League Infiniti Pro Series," said Mike Yerington, president, Western Union North America. "With the increased number of races and participants from last year, as well as the strong competition, we will have a season of close, challenging racing."

Duesenberg race cars made their Indianapolis 500 debut in 1914, with World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker earning the marque's first top-10 finish. Between 1924-27, Duesenberg drivers earned three Indianapolis 500 victories, with 1925 Indianapolis 500 champion Peter DePaolo becoming the first race winner to average faster than 100 mph.

The second Infiniti Pro Series season starts March 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.