One of the inexplicable contradictions of the Menards Infiniti Pro Series this year has been that the most dominant driver in the short history of the driver development series, Thiago Medeiros, has not been able to find an IndyCar ride for the 2005 season.

Many observers believed that Medeiros, who won the 2004 Infiniti Pro Championship by an incredible 134 point margin (with a 50% win percentage), would easily find an opportunity in the world of the IndyCar Series.  However, as the weeks wore on, the opportunity did not come -- until now. 

Today, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing announced that Thiago will join Roger Yasukawa to comprise a two car IndyCar effort at the California Speedway in Fontana.  Although the ride is only a single-race deal, both parties agreed that they were working on ways to extend the deal and potentially field a two car effort for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing in the 2006 season.  Additionally, Medeiros effort is being supported by his sponsors BAND Brazilian Telvision and Jeans POOL.

Medieiros seemed excited about the chance to finally showcase his talent in the IndyCar Series, "It's not just about going fast, " he said, " I have to get adapted to the speed again.  It was incredible to feel the power [of a 650 HP IndyCar during testing with D&R] because I had been out of the car for about a year.  I need to take things step by step, get my confidence up, and be consistent..."  About his experience this year, Medeiros said, " It's been a very long season standing on the other side of the fence, so I'm extremely grateful to Dennis [Reinbold] and Robbie [Buhl] for giving me this opportunity."

With an attitude like that and his proven talent in the IPS, Medeiros might potentially have what it takes to be the "breakout" driver who can showcase some of the promising talent that is under development in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series.  We wish him, and Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, the best of luck.