Jonathan Byrd’s Racing With KVSH Racing for Bryan Clauson 2015 Indy 500 Entry
Clauson, 24, has numerous USAC titles on his resume including being a two-time USAC National Midget Series Champion (2010, 2011), three-time USAC National Drivers Champion (2010, 2011 and 2012) and two-time USAC National Sprint Car Series Champion (2012, 2013). He will pilot the KVSH/Jonathan Byrd’s Racing machine in the 2015 Indy 500 which will be his second IndyCar start and second Indy 500 having previously contested the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 2012 (started 31st and finished 30th).
“When we first began discussions for this entry with the Byrd family, what came to mind was the campaign the Indianapolis Motor Speedway recently launched: ‘We all have a story,’ KVSH Racing partner James “Sulli" Sullivan said. “The Byrd’s have a storied history at the Speedway and we’re pleased to announce today they’ll be returning with KVSH Racing to start the next chapter of the Jonathan Byrd’s Racing story. We are excited to add another Indy 500 entry to the 2015 KVSH Racing lineup and stoked to have Bryan Clauson as our wheel man. I also think it is interesting to note that one of my partners, Jimmy Vasser was sponsored by Jonathan Byrd’s for his second Indy 500, so we have come full circle."
Speaking on behalf of the Byrd family, David Byrd said, “For our family and for the Jonathan Byrd’s brand, returning to Indy is a very good thing. Coming back here with a guy like Bryan Clauson is exciting and to do it in partnership with an Indy 500 winning team like KVSH is simply phenomenal! The fact that we have our program in place a year in advance with what we hope is a long-term home for the Jonathan Byrd’s team and to know that we are going to be able to provide Bryan with all of the resources he needs to win the 500—I don’t think our family could ask for much more. It’s amazing to have a driver like Bryan put his faith in us to deliver for him and to stake his IndyCar future with us, and we are grateful to Kevin (Kalkhoven), Jimmy (Vasser), Sulli, and the KVSH team for the opportunity to build with them."
Clauson said, “We have a lot of great things happening at Jonathan Byrd’s Racing, and aligning ourselves with KVSH Racing, a team which has competed many times at Indy and won the race, is a big step forward for our program. KVSH knows firsthand what it takes to run up front at Indy, and having Jimmy Vasser there to lean on is going to be a huge bonus for me. I can’t wait to get to work!"
A testing schedule for Clauson is being developed and will be announced when finalized.