Aleshin back to IndyCar with Schmidt Peterson for Sonoma (Update)

UPDATE

Mikhail Aleshin

Team Press Release: Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) announced today that Mikhail Aleshin will rejoin the team for the upcoming test at Sonoma Raceway on Thursday, August 20 and the Verizon IndyCar Series season finale on Sunday, August 30.

The 28-year-old, Russian driver competed last year with SPM and will pilot the No. 77 SMP Racing Honda car.

"I'm very happy to come back to IndyCar," said Aleshin. "It's a great competition, and means a lot to come back to my American family and to race in front of the great fans. I want to say thank you to SMP Racing, Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson for giving me this opportunity.

"I really like Sonoma Raceway. It's a great, fast track with multiple technical corners. I had good results when I was there last season. It's not always easy to take part in the last race of such a strong championship year, and the car is different from last year, but it was never easy during my career so I guarantee that I will do my best."

Team owner Sam Schmidt added, "We're really excited to have Mikhail back for the season finale. We all feel we have unfinished business from 2014, so I'm pleased that we could put this deal together."

Aleshin will spend the full day in the car for the Sonoma test on the 2.385-mile, 12-turn, natural-terrain road course. SPM Indy Lights driver Jack Harvey will make his IndyCar debut, splitting the day with veteran SPM IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe in the No. 5 Arrow Electronics car.

"First of all, I need to thank everyone at SPM and Racing Steps Foundation for making this test happen," said Harvey. "This kind of opportunity is everything I've been working for since I was nine years old in go-karting. I want to give a good account of myself, and show the team I'm ready and capable for a full-time IndyCar ride. The test will be the best time to prove it.

"I've raced at Sonoma once before and had a double-victory, so I'm feeling happy and confident that my first IndyCar test is at a track I've had success at in the past. This will be another fantastic memory for me, and hopefully the start of a new chapter in my racing career."

08/05/15 Mikhail Aleshin will return to IndyCar for Sonoma's season finale with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. He raced in the series with the team last year, but he was injured in a crash during Fontana's season finale.

The Russian will take part in next week's test at the circuit before making his first IndyCar start of the season.

"As for next season, now we are working hard to continue racing in IndyCar, and I hope this race will be a significant step towards this goal."

Aleshin is set to drive a third SPM entry alongside regulars James Jakes and Ryan Briscoe.