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Love Blossoms At Lexmark Indy 300 |
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Tuesday, 20 March 2007 |
2006 Lexmark Indy 300 winner Nelson Philippe today returned to where he has enjoyed the pinnacle moment of his motorsport career, making a fly-by visit to the Surfers Paradise Beach this morning.
While the Frenchman’s emphatic victory on the Gold Coast caused a sensation in the Champ Car World Series ranks, as the 20 year-old secured his maiden chequered flag, his victory also ensured the trend of no driver winning the Australian event twice in its 16-year history also continued.
But it appears the whirlwind surrounding Philippe’s success has also
stirred up emotions of another kind and that was clearly evidenced this
morning.
Joining Philippe for a leisurely stroll along one of Australia’s most
famous coastlines was reigning Bartercard Miss Indy Sarah Buller.
Philippe explaining the podium presentation during last year’s Lexmark
Indy 300 marked just the start of bigger and better things to come,
which has now also provided added incentive for the young driver to
defend his title when the event returns to the streets of Surfers
Paradise on October 18-21.
“Sarah and I struck up an immediate friendship following the volleyball
game last year, had a great night after the event and have been crazy
about each other ever since,” explained Philippe.
“With Sarah’s commitments with the Bartercard Miss Indy it was easier
for her to move over from Perth and that means I’ll be coming back to
Queensland quite regularly during the year.
“I don’t know what it is, the sun, the sand, the surf, I love the Gold
Coast and I can’t wait to get back here and defend my Lexmark Indy 300
title.
“There are a few things to work out before then, but for the moment today has brought back a flood of great memories.”
Today’s casual rendezvous was also most welcome from Sarah’s
perspective as momentum is already building towards the 2007 Lexmark
Indy 300.
Likewise, her own commitments as part of the greater promotion of the
event and developing support for the Bartercard Miss Indy has her on a
very tight schedule.
“It’s just been one thing after another between corporate functions,
autograph signings, media and modeling commitments but at the same time
it is a great honour being able to represent the event as the 2007
Bartercard Miss Indy,” said Buller.
“Down time is a rarity and it’s great that Nelson has been able to come
to Australia for a few days as I’m sure the rest of the year will
continue to be full on.
“It’s a win-win all round. I’m really enjoying the move to the Gold Coast and this is a very special place for both of us.”
Nelson and Sarah’s relationship continues a trend which was started by
Canadian driver Alex Tagliani and his now wife Bronte, who was the 2002
Bartercard Miss Indy.
Philippe is currently in negotiations with Champ Car teams in the hope
of sealing a deal before the Champ Car World Series opening round at
Las Vegas on April 6-8.
2007 Champ Car World Series
Las Vegas - Apr 8
Long Beach -Apr 15
Houston - Apr 22
China - May 20
Portland - Jun 10
Cleveland - Jun 24
St. Jovite - Jul 1
Toronto - Jul 8
Edmonton- Jul 22
San Jose - Jul 29
Elkhart Lake - Aug 12
Denver - Aug 19
Holland - Sep 2
Belgium - Sep 9
Australia - Oct 21
Mexico City - Nov 11
Phoenix - Dec 2
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