IPS: Pecorari inks KMA deal.

At the same time as receiving a late call-up to race in this weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona, Robbie Pecorari was firming up a full-time deal to contest the 2007 Indy Pro Series with Team KMA.

Pecorari passed his Indy Pro Series rookie test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway before making the short trip to Daytona, convincing KMA team principals Ingo Strackerjan and Jon Lewis that he was the man to pilot the Cabo Wabo-sponsored Dallara. Cabo Wabo Tequila is owned by legendary rocker Sammy Hagar, who has also taken an interest in the KMA entry.

"It's really exciting to announce that we were able to offer Robbie a sponsored drive thanks to the people of Cabo Wabo Tequila," Lewis commented, "Besides being a music icon and car fanatic, this truly demonstrates Sammy Hagar's belief in supporting young talented athletes. As a sponsor of our team, and a co-owner of our racecar, this dramatically increases and enhances the ladder system we have established for our drivers to successfully progress in their careers."

Pecorari's record since graduating from karting includes runner-up honours in the 2005 Formula Mazda Championship, coming home just eleven points shy of capturing the title after taking two wins and seven podium finishes. He also dominated the Toronto Grand Prix round of the Champ Car Atlantic Championship in 2006, leading every lap and taking the victory.

"First off, I would like to thank Jon and Ingo for trusting me to put the Cabo Wabo Tequila car on the top step of the podium," he said, "Without them and Sammy Hagar, none of this would be happening."

KMA also announced that Pecorari would mentor its three young talents in Formula BMW - Mike Hill, Julia Landauer and Jeffrey Petriello - who will also be sponsored by the Cabo Wabo Cantina.

"I am looking forward to coaching our Formula BMW drivers," he said, "This will be a first for me, but I am looking forward to the extra time at the track and becoming an integral part of this team."

"We are excited to have Robbie within the KMA team," Strackerjan concluded, "We all know that, with his knowledge, Robbie will add to our talent pool, providing our young FBMW drivers with driving pointers, race strategies and, in general, the opportunities to learn from an accomplished driver.

"Over the past three years, I watched Robbie's success, followed his progress from karting to Atlantics, and have seen his talents. He will be very successful in the 2007 Indy Pro Series Championship and, with the addition of more road courses, many of which he has raced on in previous years, his chances are very good to gain podium positions."