Davison confirmed as 33rd driver for Indy 500
Davison, joins Sebastien Bourdais, who'll drive the No. 11 Hydroxycut/Mistic E-Cigs / KVSH Racing Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone, Sebastian Saavedra, in the No. 17 KV AFS Racing Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone, and Townsend Bell, driving the No. 6 Robert Graham KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone, on the team.
"KV Racing Technology is proud to add James Davison to our stable of drivers for the Indianapolis 500," said Steve Moore, KVRT General Manager. "James has shown his capabilities at each level where he has competed and he will be an excellent complement to the three drivers we already had in place for the 500. James is very talented and, with the help of his experienced teammates, we're confident he will quickly be up to speed for this great race."
Davison, 27 and a native of Melbourne, Australia, hails from a true racing legacy. His grandfather, Lex Davison, won the Australian Grand Prix four times and his father, Jon Davison, was a driver and long-time racing promoter. James came up through the Australian open-wheel ranks before moving to the United States and competing in Formula BMW USA, Star Mazda and Champ Car Atlantic. He raced two seasons in Indy Lights, winning two races and finishing second in the 2009 championship.
Davison has spent most of the past four seasons racing sports cars, but made his first Verizon IndyCar Series starts in 2013 at Mid-Ohio and Sonoma. He is already a race winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, having won the Formula BMW USA event run on the road course in conjunction with the 2005 Formula One U.S. Grand Prix.
"It's been my childhood dream to race in and win the Indy 500," said Davison. "I have had to work very hard and persevere to get here with KV Racing Technology. Finally, it's arrived and I have a fantastic opportunity with the reigning Indianapolis 500 champion team. I feel I have the best of chances to do well.
"I've got to thank KV Racing Technology, the guys at Always Evolving Racing and all of my other supporters for making this dream come true," Davison added. "I personally chose No. 33 for the car, knowing how important it was for the event to have a full field. I thought it was an appropriate salute and something I will always be able to look back at and know why I was No. 33. I certainly don't plan to qualify 33rd or finish 33rd, but it is a nice tribute."
Always Evolving began five years ago as a car-culture brand concept encompassing professional motorsports, authentic automotive lifestyle and automotive collection operations. The racing program debuted last year, when the group merged its passion for competition with a desire to support charitable organizations. The entry into this year's Indy 500 is the latest step in the journey.
"People constantly ask me about the name Always Evolving," said Erik Davis, CEO of Always Evolving. "Being part of history at the Indianapolis 500 is the most literal explanation of why we carry that brand. We will always seek new challenges, find opportunities to compete, represent our sponsors with integrity and work to drive new fans to motorsports. Always Evolving is thrilled to be involved with KV Racing Technology and we see this as an incredible opportunity for our entire organization."
Practice for the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins Sunday. The race is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, and will be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 11 a.m. (ET).
About Always Evolving Racing:
Conceived nearly five years ago in Los Angeles, Always Evolving began as a car-culture brand concept encompassing professional motorsports, authentic automotive lifestyle and automotive collection operations. Roger Rodas and Erik Davis built the racing team in 2013 as a platform to combine their passion for competing and their desire to support charitable organizations. Following Rodas' tragic passing in November 2013, owner/driver Davis and the team established "Racing in Honor" as their internal mission for the 2014 season in Rodas' memory. Always Evolving Racing began in the Pirelli World Challenge Series, sporting its unique teal and white colors on two Mustang Boss 302s. Always Evolving Racing recently expanded its racing efforts into Rally America, with driver David Sterckx earning the team's first victory this year at the Oregon Trail Rally. The team's newest racing endeavor is a title sponsorship for the 2014 Indianapolis 500 with driver James Davison piloting the No. 33 car prepared by KV Racing Technology.