Kimball to race third Foyt car in Long Beach finale

The 36-year-old competed for the IndyCar legend’s team full-time in 2020, but was replaced in Foyt's full-time lineup by Sebastien Bourdais.

His most recent IndyCar outing came in May on the Indianapolis road course in the Tresiba-backed #11 car, before he suffered an agonising near-miss in attempting to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.

Kimball, who took his sole IndyCar victory at Mid-Ohio 2013 for Chip Ganassi Racing, said: “I cannot wait to get back behind the wheel of an AJ Foyt Indy car mostly because I love racing.

“I am also excited to race on behalf of my long-time sponsor Novo Nordisk one more time this season at one of my favourite races.

“Working with the team at AJ Foyt Racing, both in and out of the cockpit, has been very rewarding and I look forward to continuing that work in Long Beach.” 

Larry Foyt, team president, commented: “We are very happy to have Charlie and Novo Nordisk back for the season finale.

“Long Beach is such a great race for the IndyCar Series, and I'm glad we could put this event together for Charlie and Novo Nordisk because they have been great partners of our team.

“They have touched many lives and inspired many race fans through the motorsports platform, and I’m honored that our team was able to be a small part of that.”

Charlie Kimball, A.J. Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet

Photo by: Barry Cantrell / Motorsport Images

The Californian, who was raised in nearby Camarillo, last competed at Long Beach in 2018 when he finished 10th for Carlin. 

He finished second in an Indy Lights race at Long Beach in 2010.

“Long Beach is my favourite event outside of the Indy 500,” he said.

“I spent my childhood coming to this race and dreaming about being on the other side of the fence.

“The chance to compete at this track, so close to my hometown, three and a half years since my last time behind the wheel there has been one of my biggest personal motivators.”