Englishman Piers Phillips will join Schmidt Peterson Motorsports as its new general manager, following a long career in both open-wheel and sports car racing.
Phillips joins SPM from Brabham Racing, as team manager/technical director for the crowdfunded project organized by David Brabham. That project has been in the works for more than a year, but has yet to turn a wheel.
Before that, his 15-year racing career included positions in both management and engineering, at Impact Engineering Solutions, Strakka Racing, SEAT Sport UK and Fred Goddard F3.
As General Manager at SPM, Phillips will oversee the entire operations of the team, while utilizing his experience to provide insight to the engineering and development departments.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be joining such a top-level organization as SPM,” said Phillips. “Having watched and admired the success of the team over the years as it has grown through Indy Lights and now into a top-level IndyCar team, and also having worked in other disciplines with some of SPM’s drivers, I knew immediately that it was the place for me. I am excited about the journey ahead, and looking forward to working with all team members to bring much success to both the IndyCar and Indy Lights organizations.”
James Hinchcliffe will be back for his second season with the team; the second seat, a coveted seat, is still TBD although Jack Harvey is working on his plans to secure the ride and step form Indy Lights.