Chaves to also run Texas and Pocono, full-time in 2018
The Mike Harding-owned team, which is making its debut at the Indianapolis 500 with its No.88 Chevrolet-powered entry driven by Gabby Chaves, had previously signaled its intention to have a permanent presence on the 2018 grid, but Harding told RACER that it will run an additional two races this year to assist with its preparations.
"We're going to run Texas and Pocono," he said. "And then next year, we're going to try to run the whole series."
Team manager Larry Curry explained that adding Texas and Pocono allows the team to run additional races this year without having to invest in any equipment beyond what it already needs for Indy.
"The way we looked at it is, all the aero stuff for this year is being changed next year," he said.
"To get properly outfitted for Indy, that [kit] works for Texas and Pocono. That's why we said, 'Let's run those three deals; we don't have to buy any additional aero parts and throw them away" We'll run them out at Pocono, and then convert [the cars] over to the new bodywork [for 2018]".
Harding took delivery of two brand-new Dallara chassis earlier this year, and has guaranteed continuity on the driver front, with Chaves having signed a two-year deal. racer.com