Howard returns for the Glen

Jay Howard

Jay Howard will return to the cockpit of Roth Racing's No. 24 entry this weekend for the Camping World Grand Prix at the Glen after a five-race absence.

The 2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion last competed at Kansas in April and said he is looking forward to racing again.

“Happy to get back in the car is an understatement," said Howard, who competed in the first four races of the season with the team. “It’s hard to describe feelings when I’m on the sidelines watching. More than anything, I’m looking at this point forward and not looking at what happened over the last five races. I’m just going to go out and do what I do best and try to get a good result for the team."

Howard had a high finish of 13th (Kansas, Motegi) and completed the Rookie Orientation Program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when he was replaced behind the wheel by veteran John Andretti for the 92nd Indianapolis 500. Andretti continued in the car for the next four races (all ovals), recording a team-high 11th-place finish at Iowa Speedway on June 22.

With six of the nine remaining races on road/street courses, Howard’s experience will be welcome.

“We’re glad to welcome Jay back for the next race at Watkins Glen," Roth Racing president Margaret Roth said. “Jay has a wealth of road racing experience and was well on his way to a top 10 in St. Pete before a late-race incident, so we look forward to a good weekend from him at The Glen."

Howard will get re-acclimated with the car on the 3.4-mile Watkins Glen International circuit, where he competed once (2006 in Firestone Indy Lights).

“All my background before I came to the U.S. and even the first four years racing in the U.S. was on what I would call a permanent track," he said. “I had never seen a street course or oval before 2006, so it’s going to be a bit more like being at home for me. On the oval the car has been improved with what (engineer) Larry (Curry) brought to the team. I’m hoping that translates to the road course and we find more speed on the road course and everyone will be happy."