THIAGO MEDEIROS
One of the most dominant competitors in Indy Racing League Indy Pro Series history, Medeiros switched from rear-engine cars to those with the engine in front for 2006 (at least for most of the season), competing in the USAC Silver Crown Series – the second South American driver in history to race in the series. The rookie recorded two top-five finishes in seven starts, with a best finish of fourth at Iowa Speedway. Medeiros holds many records in Indy Pro Series competition, including consecutive victories and poles, wins and poles in a season, and consecutive laps led and laps led in a season.
Career Highlights (Through 2006 Season)
· 2004 Indy Racing League Indy Pro Series champion
· Best USAC Silver Crown Series Race Finish: 4th (Iowa, 2006)
· Career USAC Silver Crown Series Starts: 7
· One (1) career Indianapolis 500 start
USAC Career
· 2006 – Earned two top-five finishes in just seven starts, including a season best fourth at Iowa Speedway in rookie season in Silver Crown Series. Finished 13th in Silver Crown Series point standings. Scored five top-10 results in seven starts and had an average finish of eighth.
Career in Other Divisions/Races
· 1991 – Began racing career driving go-karts
· 1993 – Finished third in Brazilian karting championship
· 1996 – Earned one pole position en route to fourth-place finish in Brazilian karting championship
· 1997 – Debuted in Brazilian Formula Chevrolet Series
· 1998 – Won Brazilian Formula Chevrolet championship
· 1999 – Made South American Formula 3 debut, scoring one pole position and finishing 10th in point standings
· 2000 – Completed second season in South American Formula 3 competition, landing one victory and one pole position en route to sixth in point standings
· 2001 – Finished third in South American Formula 3 point standings, notching five victories and five poles in a dozen starts
· 2002 – Earned fourth in South American Formula 3 point standings, contesting eight of nine events with one pole to his credit
· 2003 – Finished fourth in rookie season of Indy Racing League Indy Pro Series competition, winning pole in first-ever oval race (Homestead-Miami) and first series victory in season finale (Texas Motor Speedway)
· 2004 – Named First-Team All-America in At-Large category of American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association due to dazzling performance in Indy Pro Series; Won six races – including four straight and once at Indianapolis Motor Speedway – in 12 tries, en route to series title; Also obtained eight poles and nine Top-5 finishes, establishing season and series records driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports
· 2005 – Made debut in IRL IndyCar Series, placing 22nd after crashing a car fielded by Dreyer & Reinbold pre-race
· 2006 – Competed in first career Indianapolis 500 for PDM Racing, occupying the 33rd and final spot in the field on the final day of qualifications; Placed 31st, dropping out with electrical problems after completing 24 laps
Personal Information
Born Thiago Cavalcanti de Medeiros on July 24, 1982 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, his hometown...Also resides in Indianapolis...Has two siblings: Karina and Rodrigo...Enjoys playing bocce, running and watching movies in spare time...First job was as a teacher at a driving school in Brazil...Favorite bands include Lasgo and OAR...Favorite movie is Seven...Favorite racetracks include Interlagos in Brazil (road course) and Phoenix International Raceway.
