Alex Tagliani will extend his stay with Conquest Racing, finishing out the IndyCar season this weekend in Chicago and the Surfers Paradise non-points paying event.

Tagliani replaced Enrique Bernoldi at last weekend's event in Detroit after the Brazilian injured his left thumb two weeks ago in Sonoma. At the time, Bernoldi indicated he would likely be back behind the wheel for the season ending race on the oval at Chicago. However, the team says the injury is not healing as it should and that proper rest is what's needed.

"Alex doing such a great job last weekend it was an easy decision to keep him in the car for Joliet," explained Conquest team owner Eric Bachelart.

"We also elected to keep Alex for Australia since he has so much experience at that track. We've been looking for strong results all year and we saw what he was able to do in Detroit."

"Bringing Alex to a track he knows at Surfers and with more time behind the wheel, I think we will be able to fight for a win and end the season on a high note."

In his first every IndyCar start, Tagliani started 21st and was listed 22nd after a mechanical problem put him out on lap 54.

This will be Tagliani's first oval start since 2005. He has three previous pole positions on ovals at Rio de Janeiro in 2000, Fontana iin 2001 and Milwaukee in 2003. His best finish was second in Japan in 2002.

"I'm honored that Conquest has called on me again this weekend to drive for them," said Tagliani. "We came in at the last minute (last weekend) and made so much progress in so little time. We had a top five car on race day and that is proof just how good these guys are."

Tagliani's IndyCar commitment will force him to miss the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event in Barrie for the second straight weekend. He currently sits 17th in the championship.

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