Colombian Carlos Huertas joins Panther Racing for Sebring test

Panther Racing announced today that World Series of Renault driver Carlos Huertas will be at the reins of the #4 IndyCar in Friday's Chevrolet manufacturer test at Florida's Sebring International Raceway. Huertas, a native of Bogota, Colombia, has spent the days prior to the test preparing with the team in Indianapolis.

"Carlos is a driver with a lot of potential," Barnes said. "He's been impressive racing WSR over the past couple of years. We're looking forward to getting Carlos behind the wheel and seeing what he can do with the #4 car."

Huertas has spent the last two seasons in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, part of the World Series by Renault (WSR).

Competing with Carlin Motorsports in 2013, he earned his first series victory at the Motorland Aragon round in Spain, which followed up his 2012 WSR rookie campaign with FORTEC Motorsports where he scored three podiums. Previously in the Cooper Tires British F3 – International Series, Huertas collected a total of 14 podiums and one win, finishing third overall in points in 2011. The 22-year old will get his first seat time in an IndyCar on Friday.

Panther Racing is finalizing its plans for the 2014 IndyCar season. Further announcements concerning the 2014 season will be made in coming weeks. “This is an awesome opportunity for me, and Panther Racing is a quality team." Huertas said. "It's been good to get to know the crew, and we've been working hard to prepare for Friday. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and ready to get out on track."

The IndyCar Series kicks off the 2014 season on March 30th with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.