Belardi Auto Racing Ready to Start Chase for Indy Lights Supremacy
Challenging for top honors in the junior formula car ranks takes lots of different ingredients, and entering the upcoming Indy Lights opener, Belardi Auto Racing is confident it has what it takes to do just that. A key component in that belief is the drivers who will be behind the wheels when the action gets underway on the 1.8-mile St. Petersburg street circuit, with rising stars Chaves and Baron in the cockpits.
Chaves joins Belardi Auto Racing positioned as an early threat for race wins and the championship crown. Backed by Coldeportes and Marca Colombia, the 20 year-old is the top championship returnee, having finished as the title fight runner-up as a rookie via one win and 10 podium finishes. Indicating Chaves is ready to continue that run of form with his new team, he has been among the leaders in official off-season testing, second fastest after two days of action at Sebring International Raceway, quickest at the end of two test days at NOLA Motorsports Park, and again second best in a return two-day outing at Barber Motorsports Park.
Baron likewise has situated himself as a driver everyone will be keeping an eye on. The 19 year-old French driver enters his Indy Lights rookie campaign having already made a splash in the North American ranks, winning two of his inaugural four USF2000 Championship races last season. Piloting the No. 4 Liberty Engineering/13th Avenue/Synova/Stand 21/Bell racing steed, his transition to the Belardi Auto Racing Indy Lights cars has been impressive as well, fastest in the Chris Griffis Memorial Mazda Road to Indy Test, and among the top-four in Winterfest testing.
"In a few days I'll make my Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires debut, and it will be a great moment for me," stated Baron. "Belardi Auto Racing has been working very hard to be ready for St. Pete, and we are all very eager to see where our performance is after this long winter testing period. I am fortunate to have Gabby [Chaves] as my teammate, and my goal for the first race is to be very close to him and to score big points. I want to fight for the championship, and I'm very excited about the opportunity that has been given to me by Brian Belardi and John Brunner. I will do everything to make them proud of their decision, and put my red Belardi car out front."
With two talented drivers leading the charge, a skilled and talented crew providing the tools and support to succeed, and the added bonus of having visited the post-race podium one year ago in St. Petersburg, Belardi Auto Racing is ready to start the Indy Lights season with two strong efforts.
The quest for a season-opening Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires win starts with a 45-minute practice session on Friday (March 28). Qualifying on the St. Petersburg street circuit goes on Saturday (March 29) afternoon, with race one of the 14-race championship fight scheduled for 12:40 pm local time on Sunday (March 30). Live timing and audio available at IndyLights2014.com/live-timing