Cheever signs Scheckter for second car

Cheever tested a number of drivers in his Red Bull-backed car, including Jeff Ward and Dan Wheldon, but will give the 21-year-old South African his big break despite his limited oval-track experience.

"There is no science to hiring a driver," said Cheever. "Whatever decision you make is a gamble. Tomas did very well in testing, but he is still an unknown. What we do know is that he is single minded and determined to do everything necessary to be successful in racing. The fact that he is in the best physical condition of any driver we tested is proof of that. His focus is so intense he is truly the only driver in the history of the IRL with serious Formula 1 aspirations."

Cheever chose Scheckter, a former Jaguar F1 test driver, over Al Unser Jr after Tomas set a sensational pace in his first couple of oval tests with the team. Unser admitted on Tuesday that he knew that he was going to have to go elsewhere after seeing the former F3000 driver perform.

"Eddie and I were talking it definitely seemed like he wanted me in the car," said Unser. "But young Tomas came out and did a great job and Eddie is going to go with him."

Scheckter makes the move to the IRL series after racing in the Formula Nissan series in 2001.

"Joining Red Bull Cheever Racing is an unbelievable opportunity," said Scheckter. "Two months ago, I never would have imagined I would be in this position. I am lucky to be driving in the Indy Racing League with one of the best teams on pit lane."