Belardi Auto Racing Signs Second Generation Open-Wheel Driver Chad Boat

Chad Boat

Belardi Auto Racing announced today that second generation open-wheel driver Chad Boat will make his Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires debut at Iowa Speedway on Sunday, July 9. Additionally, Boat will compete in the No. 84 Dallara IL-15 at Gateway Motorsports Park on Saturday, August 26 with the team. Pristine Auction, the premier autographed sports memorabilia auction house in the US, will serve as the primary sponsor for both events.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce the addition of Chad Boat to our stable of drivers for the Iowa and Gateway Indy Lights oval races this summer," offered Belardi Auto Racing owner Brian Belardi. “It’s exciting to have a second-generation driver running with us, and we’re certainly looking forward to getting Chad on track in Iowa."

The 25-year-old Boat, who earned the Rookie of the Year title in both the USAC National Midget and Sprint car divisions, will add the two Indy Lights events to his full-time 2017 USAC National Midget schedule. Boat, who has previously competed at Iowa Speedway in the stock car ranks, is also scheduled to participate in a team test at the 0.894-mile Newton, IA oval which was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 28 but will instead be run this evening to avoid inclement weather that is expected to arrive tomorrow.

“I grew up watching my dad race Indy cars, so having the opportunity to run Indy Lights this year is absolutely surreal," said Boat. “I have to thank Belardi Auto Racing for giving me a shot behind the wheel of the No. 84 Dallara, as well as Pristine Auction for their continued support in my racing career. I can’t wait to get to Iowa Speedway."

The Phoenix, AZ native is following in the footsteps of his father and former winning Indy car driver, Billy Boat. Follow @ChadBoat on Twitter and Instagram for updates as he makes his first-career start in Indy Lights competition this season.