Centrix to back two-car NHR entry at Indy.

Newman/Haas Racing has unveiled Centrix Financial as title sponsor of its two-car assault on this year's Indianapolis 500, carrying one of its Champ Car sponsors into the rival IndyCar series.

Centrix is no stranger to the Brickyard, having backed Vitor Meira there last year but, in 2005, its branding will appear prominently on a pair of blue-and-white Panoz-Hondas in the May classic, with Bruno Junqueira and Sebastien Bourdais carrying numbers 36 and 37 in the event.

"We are thrilled to be returning to Indy for the second year," said chairman and CEO Robert E Sutton, "It's the world's biggest motorsports stage, and I am proud to have two of the most accomplished open-wheel drivers behind the wheel in Bruno and Sebastien."

Junqueira will be making his fourth start at Indianapolis this season but, for reigning Champ Car title holder Bourdais, the month of May will mark his debut in the IRL. The Brazilian finished fifth on his Indy debut in 2001, won pole a year later, and repeated his top five result in 2003, his first year at the Brickyard with NHR.

"We are excited that our association with Centrix Financial has enabled us to compete at the Indianapolis 500 again," said team co-owner Carl Haas, "It is a company that operates with the same philosophy as our team, and is a true competitor, both in the auto finance industry and in racing. It enjoys winning as much as we do. Add to that combination the powerful and reliable Honda engine and we have a good opportunity for a strong finish."