Jimmy Vasser and James Sullivan, co-owners of the now defunct KV Racing Technology team that claimed victory in the 2013 Indianapolis 500 with Tony Kanaan, have returned to the IndyCar Series in partnership with Dale Coyne Racing.
The announcement came on Monday at Sonoma Raceway and will see the #18 entry driven by Sebastien Bourdais under the 'Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan' banner.
In addition, the team announced that SealMaster will be the primary sponsor on the car for nine of the 17 races this season, including the 102nd Indianapolis 500.
Vasser started as a team owner in 2004 when he was still competing as a driver. He, Sullivan and Kevin Kalkhoven formed the ownership group for KVSH Racing in 2013. Along with Kanaan's Indy 500 success, Bourdais delivered the team four more wins from 2014-16 before it closed, with Bourdais moving to Dale Coyne Racing.
“When Jimmy, Sulli and I met to discuss creating this partnership, it was very enticing," commented Dale Coyne, who will continue to run the No. 19 Honda under the Dale Coyne Racing banner.
"They’ve had a lot of success in their previous years in INDYCAR and I’m thrilled to have them as partners.
"It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down as we move forward with this program. The future is bright and we’re excited to get the season going with SealMaster onboard as a co-primary sponsor. Hopefully we can continue the success Jimmy and Sulli have had, and that we’ve had with Sebastien."
Vasser admitted he missed being in the sport during his year out: "First, I want to acknowledge Kevin Kalkhoven, who gave both Sulli and myself the forum to be where we are today,” he said, adding: “After extensive talks, I am very pleased and proud to say that we will be continuing that legacy.
"I took a year off from competition for the first time in many years and realised how much I missed it. This is the next chapter in my racing career, so I want to say thank you to Sulli, Dale, SealMaster, our sponsors and Sebastien. With their support, we are focused on recreating our prior success and again challenging for wins in 2018."
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