Former Gold Coast Indy 300 winner Mario Dominguez is headed for Australian shores once again, securing a full-time IndyCar Series ride with Pacific Coast Motorsports as of next month's Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Dominguez won the race around the Streets of Surfers Paradise as a rookie in 2002 after starting 16th on the grid, and went on to score two further podiums Down Under with a third in 2004 and a second in 2006. His last visit to Australia was for the 2007 event, where he was 12th.

Most recently Dominguez was third in the Champ Car World Series Finale at Long Beach – which was won by Australian Will Power – bringing his CCWS tally to two victories, 11 podium finishes and one pole, as he heads to the IndyCar Series aboard the no. 96 Visit Mexico City/PCM entry.

The 2008 IndyCar Series season has just completed Round 4 at Kansas Speedway at the weekend, and now heads to the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the series continues on a schedule that is the most diverse in world motorsports.

The 2008 schedule will take the teams and drivers to short ovals, superspeedways, and road and street courses including the Gold Coast Indy 300 which is regarded as a ‘crown jewel’ in international motorsport.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY…

Mario Dominguez – No. 96 Visit Mexico City/PCM Honda/Dallara/Firestone
“I am very excited about this new project,” said Dominguez.

“Racing in the Indy 500 is a childhood dream of mine. I understand I have a big responsibility since I will be driving the Mexico City car.

“I will be representing the colors of my city and my country in the most important racing series in North America. I am very excited to continue my efforts with PCM.

"We just finished on the podium this weekend (at Long Beach), and that shows that we are competitive and can be champions together.”

Tyler Tadevic – Team Owner of Pacific Coast Motorsports
“With our recent success at the Long Beach Grand Prix and with Mario giving me my first podium as a team owner, we couldn’t be more excited, and we can’t wait to get started,” said Tadevic.

“This program is an extension of our belief in the Hispanic market and of our belief the Hispanic fans have for open-wheel racing and Mario in particular. This Hispanic demographic is the fastest growing market in the United States and a very important fan base for the IndyCar Series.”