Hildebrand to Race Historic F1 Car at Infineon Raceway

10.06.2006

J.R. Hildebrand, newly crowned Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 Champion and prospective Atlantic driver for 2007, will have the chance to drive a vintage Formula One car next weekend, October 14-15, at Infineon Raceway. Doug Mockett, a supporter of Hildebrand's Team USA Scholarship run in the Formula Palmer Audi series last year, will have Hildebrand pilot his 1975 Penske PC3 in the CSRG Charity Challenge Event.

"I'm really excited to drive the Penske," related Hildebrand. "I've watched vintage races for years, I practically grew up on them with my dad in the Vintage Trans Am group since I was little, and now I get the chance to participate! It's a great opportunity to realize what the drivers that I look up to so much from the past actually drove; I can't wait to get a feel for it."

As it is just for fun, there's no pressure on Hildebrand to give an amazing performance, however he does intend on seeing what the car can do.

"It will be really interesting to start pushing it a little bit. Its a flat-bottom car with penty of horsepower... I think it will be blast!" He stated. "I would really like to thank Doug for giving me the chance to drive. He's been a great supporter of my choices in racing over the last year, and has been influential in guiding my future. I hope to put on a good show for him."

Next on the schedule after his first ever F1 drive (vintage as it may be), is an Indy Pro Series test with Sam Schmidt Motorsports on October 26 at Homestead Miami Speedway in Florida.