In the last race of the 2007 season, Nelson Philippe (#34 Juniper Soul / Opes Prime / Cosworth / DP01 / Bridgestone) battled through a hard fought race that was almost as mentally changeling as it was physically. Nelson started the Tecate Grand Premio in 13^th position but soon ended up 15^th when his Cosworth DP01 stalled at the start along with Oriol Servia and Alex Tagliani.

During the yellow flag that followed, Nelson came in for a fuel-only pit stop and rejoined in 15^th position. The popular French driver also suffered an early setback when in the midst of a pass Katherine Legge, he landed hard off of a curb which led to the #34 car misfiring. Fortunately he was able to recycle the car's electronics and get right back up to speed and back into the race. Never one to give up, Nelson kept pressing his car for more speed and overtaking his competition to post continuously faster lap times.  

On lap 14, Nelson's engineers decided to adjust their pit strategy and in the hope that an off strategy plan would allow them to jump to the head of the field. Unfortunately with only eight yellow laps in the race, the team was not able to take full advantage of their plan. The Conquest crew chose a four pit stop strategy, continuously adjusting the plan to make up as much of the deficit as possible but eventually they went one lap down to the leaders, Nelson pushed the #34 car through to the end and finished in the 12 ^th position.  

Nelson Philippe Quote
"I feel absolutely gutted, this was not the results that we were hoping for," said Nelson. "It's a tough way to virtually start and finish my season. Next year I am hoping to compete the entire year again and with more preparation I should be at the front. A really big thank you to Eric for his support and I appreciate that he trusted me to drive his car for these last two races. Also I want to thank the entire team and all of the mechanics and I hope to see them again next year."  

Eric Bachelart Quote
“We underestimated the task of Nelson being away from the Champ Car competition for most of the season and being on top again for the last two races. After his exciting debut in Australia the other day where he finished sixth, we set up a higher goal for Mexico City and we missed it. However, we all believe that he did an excellent job and we enjoy working together again. With more preparation, I have no doubt that we will be able to run up front,” stated Eric Bachelart, Conquest Racing Team Owner.