Servia to drive #77 SPM/Marotti entry in 100th Indy 500

Oriol Servia

Leeds, AL – April 23, 2016 – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) announced today that Oriol Servia will pilot the team's third entry for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in the Schmidt Peterson with Marotti Racing No. 77 entry.

Servia, son of a Spanish Rally champion, has been racing since he was young, advancing steadily up the ranks in various series around the world. Before joining the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2008, he was the 1999 Indy Lights champion and saw success in the Champ Car World Series. He finished fourth in the 2011 IndyCar championship standings and had his best Indy 500 finish of fourth in 2012.

No stranger to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, Servia's seven attempts also included a third-place start with sixth-place finish in 2011, and three 11th-place finishes.

"I am very pleased to have this opportunity at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports," said Servia. "This year's Indianapolis 500, the 100th running, will be the most special in our era, maybe of all time, and I wanted to make sure I was in a team that can give me a program to contend for the win. I have no doubt that together with SPM and Honda, we will at least do that.

"The whole team, including James, my teammate in 2011, and Mikhail, are ultimate professionals and I can't wait to start doing laps at the most special track in the world in preparation for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Team owner Sam Schmidt said, "We've competed against Oriol for several years now and have always looked for an opportunity to get him in one of our SPM entries. He is a true professional and is highly respected within the motorsports community. Interestingly enough, we shared the front row with him in 2011 and know that he can get the job done for all of our team partners."

Marotti Racing was founded by Will Marotti, who plans to use his business startup and building skills to strengthen the team. Marotti is an avid racing fan who has not missed an Indy 500 since 1969 and a graduate from the Skip Barber Racing School. He also drove in autocross and SCCA events.

SPM team co-owner Ric Peterson added, "We would like to welcome Will Marotti and his group as co-entrants on the No. 77 car for the Indy 500. He is extremely enthusiastic about the sport and opportunities that it will create for his business interests. We at SPM are fully engaged in creating B2B and B2C opportunities for our partners, and this has already proven to be a perfect fit."

"We are thankful and excited beyond measure to be able to participate in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 with a team of the quality and caliber of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports," said Marotti. "This is the fulfillment of a 47-year-old personal dream, and we hope just the first of many years that Marotti Racing will be in the paddock and part of the IndyCar community."

Servia and team officials will be available via INDYCAR media teleconference at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, April 25. Media may join by calling (866) 475-2663. The pass code is INDYCAR or 6674241. International media members may call +1 (847) 413-3137 and use the same pass code.

The 100th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing will take place on Sunday, May 29 at 12 p.m. ET. Tickets are still available at IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com and the race will be broadcast live (outside of the Indianapolis market) on ABC.

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports