Stefan Wilson has secured backing from the American Solar Energy Society as he steps up his bid to race in the 100th Indianapolis 500 in May.
Wilson is hoping to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway nine months on from the death of his brother, Justin, from head injuries sustained during an IndyCar race at Pocono.
Wilson has made one IndyCar start before, finishing 16th for Dale Coyne Racing at Baltimore in 2013, and finished third in the 2011 Indy Lights championship.
On Thursday, it was announced that Wilson had struck a sponsorship agreement with ASES as part of his '#ThinkSolar' campaign for the race.
"IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson and the #ThinkSolar campaign team today announced a sponsorship by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) for Wilson’s 2016 Indianapolis 500 bid to be the first IndyCar driver with a solar-powered pit crew at the 100th Running of the Indy 500 in May," a statement read.
"Wilson aims to realise a dream of following his late brother Justin Wilson’s path to the Indy 500 by merging the worlds of motorsports and solar energy through #ThinkSolar. ASES and Wilson share the common goal of moving solar forward, faster."
Wilson was delighted to receive backing from ASES, and is working with a number of other possible partners to secure the required backing to enter the Indy 500.
"This endorsement by ASES is a really exciting development and validation of the #ThinkSolar campaign’s vision," Wilson said. "They’ve helped shape an industry that’s committed to solving many of the energy challenges we face today.
"Together, we’ll strive to invigorate conversations around commonplace solar applications as well as the design and engineering innovations that will drive the future of renewable energy for this sport and the world."
The 100th Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 29.
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