Carroll revving up for IndyCar debut in New York

Adam Carroll

Adam Carroll will make his American racing debut at Watkins Glen on July 4. The A1GP champion from Portadown recently signed with the Andretti Autosport team to compete in a number of races in the second half of the US IndyCar season. Earlier this week he flew to America for talks with the team and to see this weekend’s Indianapolis 500.

It was there that Andretti Autosport announced Carroll would make his first appearance for the team in round nine at the former US Grand Prix circuit in New York state.

The 27-year-old had already anticipated his debut would be on a road course rather than one of the high-speed oval tracks which feature in the IndyCar series.

“It's a great way to start my career in America," said Carroll, who will test at Watkins Glen before the race. “It couldn't be any better. I've waited a long time, and I'm eventually here, so it's all happening."

Carroll already feels at home in the Andretti team and on the US scene.

“I felt comfortable right away," said Carroll. “I think that is one of the things that really helped this deal come together. This team are ultimate professionals and really good people."

And he added: “It is completely cut-throat in Europe. It doesn't matter really how much talent you've got, it's all to do with money. To come here is like a breath of fresh air. I'm working with some good people and, finally, I’m on the road."

Carroll’s link with Andretti Autosport began when they ran Team USA in the A1GP series. They had limited success but Carroll was the stand-out driver, winning five times and taking Team Ireland to the title.

“We've been watching him for some time and think he is a real talent," said team boss Michael Andretti. “Even more importantly, he's a great guy.

“When you have a team the size of ours, you have to have the right personalities and I think Adam is going to be perfect for that. He fits right in with our family. I can't wait to get him in the race car."

It is not yet clear whether Carroll will be in a fourth or a fifth Andretti Autosport entry. Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and Danica Patrick all have full-season contracts but Long Beach race winner Ryan Hunter-Reay currently only has funding through to the Texas race next month. Belfast Telegraph