IPS: Crews joins SWE, targets Indy 500.

CR Crews' plans for 2007 continue to take shape, the Texan having signed with SWE, formerly Part Sourcing International, to compete in the entire 16-race Indy Pro Series.

Dreaming big has never been a problem for Crews, who graduated early from high school and made his Indy Pro Series debut just five days after his 18th birthday. Now, he has his sights set on a first full IPS campaign - and possibly becoming the youngest starter in Indianapolis 500 history.

"It's great to have been able to put something together so early in the year," Crews said, "We've already had two tests, I'm in the shop everyday developing a relationship with the team - it's a good head start to next year. I think we'll be fully capable of winning a handful of races and be able to compete for the championship."

Crews, who finished ninth in his Indy Pro Series debut at Watkins Glen last June and sixth on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, recently relocated to Indiana so that he can go to SWE's new state-of-the-art race shop every day.

Crews' dreams are echoed by team owner Steve Eppard's, who formed the Part Sourcing International team midway through the 2006 season.

"After years of being involved with the Indy Racing League in various capacities - from a transmission specialist to an approved manufacturer - I am most excited to participate as a full-time Indy Pro Series team owner in 2007," Eppard admitted, "This team is going to be special, and I believe I have found a driver that is absolutely capable of fulfilling my goal of winning in the Indy Pro Series in 2007.

"CR impressed me with his ability to adapt to very difficult situations with new teams and equipment at each event, and consistently moved forward to impressive finishes and did not damage any equipment. While he is only 18, his technical and his driving experience are well above anyone else I have ever worked with at his age."

The partnership may also include an opportunity to compete in the 91st Indianapolis 500, with both Eppard and Crews admitting that there are opportunities to compete under consideration.