IndyCar - HVM Racing Proudly Announces AREVA Sponsorship

Indianapolis, August 23, 2011: HVM Racing and Entergy are seeing continued success in spreading the 'Nuclear Clean Air Energy' message on the 2011 IndyCar season as AREVA - ranked first in the global nuclear energy industry - has come on board for the Baltimore Grand Prix.

AREVA has signed on to support the Nuclear Clean Air Energy #78 IndyCar race team driven by Simona de Silvestro for the inaugural road race in Baltimore that will take place Sept. 2-4, 2011.

"As the global leader in clean energy production, AREVA understands the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of nuclear energy," said Jacques Besnainou, CEO of AREVA Inc. "Partnering with Simona and the Nuclear Clean Air Energy team offers us a unique way to talk about our energy challenges and nuclear energy as safe, reliable and clean electricity that is powering one of five American households."

"This partnership is also a way to promote science, math, engineering and technology education for our children - important skills for the future AREVA employees that will help design and build the next generation of energy facilities," Besnainou added.

The sponsorship announcement gives another boost to a team that's building new momentum on the track. As the IZOD IndyCar Series heads into three consecutive road/street courses - De Silvestro's specialty - the Nuclear Clean Air Energy team and their rising star driver has regained their stride. The team looks to add more top-ten finishes to the three they've already earned this year.

This weekend, the schedule takes HVM Racing to the rolling hills of Sonoma, CA, for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway. De Silvestro and her Nuclear Clean Air Energy team tested there last week, achieving impressive results.

The one-day test yielded 52 laps for the team. During the morning session, De Silvestro posted her best lap time of 81.18 seconds and was able to improve that to 80.41 by the end of the afternoon session. In a day where 19 of the 21 cars were all within approximately 1.25 seconds of one another, the team was more than satisfied with the results.

"The car ran flawlessly after the morning fog lifted," said HVM Racing Team Manager, Vince Kremer. Even though lap time is the benchmark to measure performance, we were looking to obtain an overall balance for Simona. In the end, she was pleased with the grip and handling of the car. The whole team is looking forward to returning here for the race."