Chaves to DCR?

Gabby Chaves celebrates his Indy Lights championship at Sonoma

You’ll recall that AutoRacing1 reported back in July that Gabby Chaves had spoken with Dale Coyne Racing about a possible drive with the team for 2015. Chaves, of course, won the 2014 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship later in the summer, earning the $750,000 Mazda scholarship intending to help drivers ‘move up’.

And while the scholarship sum has been reduced, Chaves will be the beneficiary of greater latitude in how exactly the Mazda money can be used. Previously, drivers had to secure full-season deals for the scholarship to take effect, in what amounted to a “use it or lose it," system. 2013 Indy Lights champion Sage Karam, of course, was only able to make one IndyCar start in 2014, the Indianapolis 500, as the Nazareth, PA native was unable to parlay the Mazda scholarship into a full-time ride.

Chaves, on the other hand, has noted on numerous occasions that he is confident of landing at least a partial-season ride in 2015. While nothing is done, and DCR is notorious for taking its time to formalize its driver lineup, AR1 is hearing that the Plainfield, IL team is a possibility for the 21-year-old Colombian.

Stay tuned to AR1 for updates.

AR1 Staff