Harding Racing will hand IndyCar debuts at next weekend’s Sonoma season finale to 2018 Indy Lights champion Patricio O’Ward and runner-up Colton Herta.
Harding stepped up to the premier category full-time this year, running the #88 car for Gabby Chaves, with Conor Daly stepping in for three rounds.
O’Ward beat Herta to the 2018 title in IndyCar’s feeder series, which concluded at Portland last weekend.
O’Ward will pilot the #8 car while Herta will take over the #88 entry.
O’Ward had his first experience of IndyCar machinery during a test outing at Sonoma on Thursday.
“The amount of grip and the amount of power that these cars have is just something different, I’ve never driven something this fast,” said O’Ward.
“Around Sonoma the difference in this aero makes the car so much heavier and the braking capabilities of these type of brakes are amazing. They’re very strong. The car is extremely difficult, so I’m going to have to go to the gym.
“I’m just super happy with how the day ended and I honestly could not have imagined the car being better.
“It is a monster. It is a beast. I’m really looking forward to the race weekend, I know we’re going to be pretty strong.”
Added Herta: “I’m super happy to get my start in IndyCar next weekend for the Sonoma Grand Prix.
“There are too many people to thank for this opportunity, but I'm very thankful for Harding Racing.”
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