It was announced today (8 June 2006) that Ryan Lewis will race for the Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship for the remainder of the 2006 season.  The 22 year-old Brit's last race meeting was the final round of last year's British F3 International Series but he has decided his immediate future lies in America and will embark on his first Atlantic race in Portland in just over a weeks' time.

“It's good to be back in a position where I know I'm going to be racing for the rest of the year,” said Ryan. “I think America is where the best opportunity is at the moment and I'm really glad to be part of the Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team. They've shown with Graham (Rahal) that they are a winning team and if Graham and I start pushing each other, I think we can have at least a few podiums, obviously I want to be on the top step as much as possible!”

Mi-Jack Conquest Racing Team co-owner Eric Bachelart, oversaw Ryan's test last week at Sebring and was pleased with what he witnessed.

“At the test last week in Sebring, Ryan confirmed the potential we saw in him in December. He was doing lap times close to those of Graham's and it was his first time in the new Atlantic car, it was a remarkable performance from someone with zero experience in that car,” said Bachelart. “We are more than pleased to have him join our team. He is a fun person to work with and to have on the team. I know that Graham and Ryan will work well together on and off the track and that we can expect great things from them.”

Ryan's new team-mate, Graham Rahal, is also excited about having the Brit join the team.

“Ryan's a good guy, we got along very well during the test in Sebring,” he said. “He showed he can drive a car fast and give good feedback, which in return will make both of us faster.”

Ryan will have one more opportunity to test next Wednesday (14 June) at Portland International Raceway before his first race the following weekend (18 June).

ENDS

For further information on Ryan Lewis please contact Lindsay Morle on M. +44 (0) 7971 481078 or E. lindsay@morle.com