INDIANAPOLIS — A former INDY NXT winner will be going IndyCar racing this season.
Benjamin Pedersen will pilot the No. 88 A.J. Foyt Racing Chevrolet, as he looks to battle for the NTT IndyCar Series rookie of the year award.Â
“I am excited to get on track in Thermal (Calif.) in just a few weeks with a livery that is recognizable with the iconic Coyote Red and a new car number to A.J. Foyt Racing,” said the 23-year-old rookie. “We wanted to keep with the traditional color and clean look that will resonate with fans of A.J. Foyt, while bringing a fresh new feel with the number 88. It’s also a special week for the 88 as we celebrate A.J.’s 88th birthday!”
Pedersen, who was born in Copenhagen, is running the entire IndyCar circuit this season. He spent two years in the INDY NXT Series where he claimed his first victory and first pole position at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway last September.Â
The Danish-American driver began his single seater career in 2016 in the F4 US Championship and contested for three seasons before competing in the British Formula 3 Series in 2019-2020. He also competed in the F3 Americas Championship (2018-2020) and in the 2020 EuroFormula Open.
To date there are four announced drivers who comprise the rookie class of 2023. Pedersen will be joined by Marcus Armstrong, who is driving the road/street courses for Chip Ganassi, Sting Ray Robb (Dale Coyne Racing) and Agustin Canapino (Juncos Hollinger Racing).
Pedersen will have backing from Sexton Properties, which will make its debut in the series’ Open Test at the Thermal Club outside of Palm Springs, Calif. on February 2.Â