Ho-Pin Tung to make IndyCar debut at Sears Point
Ho-Pin Tung will become the first Chinese driver to start an IndyCar Series race when he makes his debut in the championship at Sears Point this weekend
A deal has been struck between Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Dragon boss Jay Penske to field the Renault Formula 1 test driver under the Schmidt Dragon Racing banner at the California road course.
Tung, 28, had hoped to make his IndyCar debut in a Dragon car at the Indianapolis 500 in May, but was concussed in a crash on Pole Day and failed to make the starting line-up.
But after testing the Schmidt Dragon car at Sears last week, he is confident of a much better showing this time around.
"The track is very technical, with many differences in height, really challenging," Tung said. "This circuit requires an intelligent approach. I am very excited about the chance being offered to race."
Team owner Sam Schmidt added: "Our team is pleased to have been able to facilitate this program for Ho-Pin Tung that gives him another shot in 2011,"
"He was the model of consistency at Indy. It was a shame he couldn't compete in that event, but we are thrilled to be partnering with Dragon Racing to make this happen."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments