Gabby Chaves has secured a seat with Dale Coyne Racing for the Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Despite ending last season as the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year and Rookie of the Year at the Indianapolis 500, the 22-year-old Columbian failed to secure a drive for 2016.
Although Chaves only managed to secure two top ten finishes last year with Bryan Herta Autosport, the 2014 Indy Lights champion only retired on one occasion on his way to 15th overall in the championship.
Chaves will drive the #19 car for Dale Coyne Racing, and will team-mate full-time racer Conor Daly, with the duo set to be joined by Pippa Mann for the Indianapolis 500.
“What can I say, I’m really excited,” enthused Chaves.
“Throughout my whole career I’ve always been on the grid in the first race of the season and this has been the first time that I haven’t.
“I thought I had many deals in place before and for some reason or another it never came through.
“I’ve been speaking with Dale for years now and I’m excited to get something going with him and the team. I’m just really looking forward to it.
“With my time out of the car, I’ve really been able to value what it means to me to be in a race car.
“I can now get back on track and enjoy it even more.
Last season Chaves finished 15th in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis around the infield circuit, a result he will naturally be aiming to better this season.
“We’re very excited to have Gabby join us for the next two races, we’ve been in communication for a long time and it’s all finally come together,” explained team owner Dale Coyne.
“He showed a lot of maturity last season, he was quick, mistake-free and made great decisions behind the wheel that you don’t normally see coming from a rookie.
“We look forward to seeing what he can do in our #19 car.”
