DIXON SET FOR SEBRING DEBUT WITH DE FERRAN

Sebring January 26, 2009: Scott Dixon will drive at Sebring with Gil de Ferran (center) and Simon Pagenaud.

Current Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon will rejoin de Ferran Motorsports for the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida, the debut for the drivers and crew in America's greatest sports car race. Dixon, Simon Pagenaud and team owner Gil de Ferran will drive the new Acura ARX-02a LMP1 entry.

The 28-year-old New Zealander drove with de Ferran and Pagenaud in LMP2 at Road Atlanta's Petit Le Mans in October, his second start in the American Le Mans Series. The trio finished fifth in class and eighth overall. All three will drive at the American Le Mans Series' annual Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway this week.

"What a great opportunity to be driving for de Ferran Motorsports again," enthused Dixon. "The 10-hour Petit Le Mans back in October last year was a fantastic experience for me. I loved the team's spirit and camaraderie. Like everyone else I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the brand new Acura ARX-02a and will be testing with Gil and Simon for two days this week."

Dixon will test de Ferran Motorsports' new Acura ARX-02a LMP1 entry this week at Sebring.

Dixon enjoyed his most successful open-wheel racing season in 2008 scooping the Indy 500 and the IndyCar Series Championship at the wheel of the No. 9 Honda-Dallara for Target Chip Ganassi Racing. de Ferran Motorsports team owner and 2003 Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran is delighted to be including Dixon in his Sebring lineup.

"The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is going to be a huge challenge for us," commented Gil. "It is the first race in the brand new LMP1 car, the first race of the 2009 season and the start of de Ferran Motorsports' first full season in the American Le Mans Series. I am delighted to add Scott to our lineup again. We worked very well together at Petit Le Mans last year and he understands the rationale and determination of de Ferran Motorsports. We are all looking forward to the challenge."

In addition to capturing the Indy 500 and IndyCar Series Championship last year, Dixon's racing résumé is outstanding with the 2003 IndyCar Series points title, 2001 CART Rookie of the Year honors and the 2000 Indy Lights points championship among his achievements and the 2006 24 Hours of Daytona victory.

The American Le Mans Series Winter Test is scheduled for today through Wednesday at Sebring International Raceway. Daily passes will be available for $10 with paddock access and overnight camping prohibited.