Andretti Autosport is evaluating potential damage to Colton Herta’s car and subsequent equipment after a fire in the team’s transporter.
The team has confirmed no team members were hurt in the incident which were travelling to St.Petersburg, Florida for the season-opening race of the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series.
Herta is set to compete in his sophomore season after the 19-year old’s promotion to the senior Andretti squad – under the Harding Steinbrenner banner – in the No.88 Capstone-Honda.
Local TV station WFLA News caught sight of the incident.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue firefighters are on-scene of a vehicle fire on Southbound Interstate 275 & Ulmerton Rd. The semi-tractor trailer was hauling the IndyCar Series vehicle for Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Racing driver Colton Herta. Three lanes are closed, one is open. pic.twitter.com/Rh7skETO1O
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) March 11, 2020
Andretti Autosport put out a brief statement on social media stating: “We want to thank everyone for the outreach and concern.
“We are still evaluating any damages and hope to have an update soon. We are thankful to report that no one was harmed, and want to thank our transport drivers and local first responders for their quick action and support.”
Update: Andretti Autosport has confirmed that damage to Colton Herta’s race car appears to be minor and cosmetic. The team is planning to compete in St. Petersburg this weekend.
The team is sending over additional crew members to assist and is also preparing backup pit equipment in the team’s spare transporter that will begin driving out to Florida today.