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Chaves Confirmed To '500' Ride With New Team

The worst kept secret in INDYCAR was finally announced...

Napa Returns With Rossi

A.J. Foyt Racing announced...

Carpenter Signs Pigot

Ed Carpenter Racing announced...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Steinbrenner Racing Joins Andretti Autosport To Field Lights Car For Herta

Andretti Autosport announced Thursday afternoon a combined effort with the newly formed Steinbrenner Racing to field an Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires entry for Colton Herta.

The Steinbrenner family purchased the now 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees in 1973. 7 of the championships have been won under the family's reign. George Steinbrenner IV will serve as team principal.

“I have been around Indy car racing for nearly half of my young life as a fan and enthusiast,” said Steinbrenner Racing team principal George Michael Steinbrenner IV. “Andretti Autosport always seemed to have a prestige in how they operate and present themselves that mirrors that of the Yankees. The legacy of the Andretti name and the success and wide reach of the Andretti brand is as impressive as you will find in the world of motor racing.”

Colton Herta, son of 2016 Indianapolis 500 winning car owner Bryan Herta, returns to the United States following 2 successful years in Europe. The 16-year-old Herta is the 4th announced Andretti Autosport driver to compete for the 2017 Indy Lights Championship.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Chilton Returns To Ganassi

Chip Ganassi Racing announced today the return of Max Chilton to the team's No. 8 entry in 2017.

Chilton, who had a best finish of 7th (Phoenix) in his rookie season, was rumored to be headed to a KV/Carlin entry next season. With that car yet to materialize, re-signing with Ganassi was the clear best option.

“I think we were able to build a solid foundation in my rookie year in the Verizon IndyCar Series with the support of Gallagher and the team," said Chilton. "The learning curve is very steep here, and the field is separated by just a few seconds from top to bottom with really talented teams and drivers, which makes the competition incredibly close. Having a year of experience now to adapt to the car and learn all of the courses on the schedule is huge for us. Chip and Gallagher give us everything we need to be competitive and go out to contend for wins, so I’m optimistic for the direction of the No. 8 Gallagher team heading into next season.”

Chilton's signing along with Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball rounds out a return by the entire 2016 CGR lineup.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

RLLR Signs Servia For '500'

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced today the signing of Oriol Servia to pilot the team's 2nd entry in the 2017 Indianapolis 500.

“Oriol is a talented driver who brings value beyond what takes place on the race track,” said Bobby Rahal. “His race craft is that of a veteran obviously but more important than that is his ability to develop the race car and as a one car team fighting the multi-car teams the last few years, that is a big benefit.  We have a great chemistry at our team and Oriol fits nicely into our program.”

Servia will be making his 4th Indianapolis 500 start with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing this May. He previously ran the 2009, 2014 and 2015 races with the team. In total Servia has made 8 '500' starts with a best start of 3rd and finish of 4th.

The team has made it known that RLLR is interested in putting together a 2nd full-time car, but only with a driver that could help with more than just a paycheck. If more funding can be found Servia will be that guy.

Servia's next race will be his 200th career IndyCar start.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Andretti Signs Sato

Andretti Autosport announced today the signing of Takuma Sato to the team's 4th full-time entry in 2017.

The confirmation of Sato crosses the t's and dots the i's of essentially a driver swap between AJ Foyt Racing and Andretti. Following last season Carlos Munoz became a free agent and with a substantial portion of his funding going away, the Colombian was in need of a paid seat. That seat became available when Foyt switched engine manufacturers from Honda to Chevrolet. Sato, a Honda backed driver who Foyt may have let go for performance issues anyway, wasn't returning to a Chevrolet-powered car. With Munoz's funding-required Honda ride available, it was an obvious landing spot for the veteran Japanese driver.

“I think joining the team will be a new and positive opportunity for Takuma,” said Michael Andretti. “He’s not yet had the chance to be part of a larger team where the drivers collaborate; our four drivers and team of engineers working together has bred success for us in the past and has helped many drivers develop on track. Takuma has strong racing experience and we are looking forward to providing a team atmosphere where he can continue to grow, develop and be successful.”

Sato, who will pilot the No. 26, has racked up 5 podiums, 5 poles and 1 win in his 118 starts with 3 teams.