INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in his career, Indy Lights driver Ryan Norman will slide into the cockpit of an Andretti Autosport Indy car for a test at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The June 25 test opens the door for the Indy Lights race-winner to pilot an Andretti Autosport Honda around his home track.
Norman currently drives Andretti’s No. 48 Three Chord Dallara with the current Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season marking his third year with the team. The 21-year-old from Aurora, Ohio, won his first Indy Lights race in 2018 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway and led the most laps (29) in this year’s Freedom 100, despite finishing .0067 seconds behind teammate Oliver Askew.
“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment. I can’t thank Andretti Autosport enough for this opportunity,” said Norman. “This is a step in the right direction in my career and we will use this test and the rest of the Indy Lights season to prove I belong in an Indy car seat next year. Time to go to work.”
As a team owner in both the NTT IndyCar Series and Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Michael Andretti is pleased to give Norman the opportunity to step up and test an Indy car as a young driver.
“We’re very happy to be able to give Ryan this opportunity,” said Andretti. “The Road to Indy prides itself on developing young drivers into the talented, experienced drivers that succeed in the next level of their career – and helping that driver growth is an important goal of our team’s program. Ryan has been a contender at many races and has shown his ability and excitement to take the next step. We are happy to help build the bridge for him to continue his career and chase his dream.”
Norman is set to join Andretti Autosport teammates Oliver Askew and Robert Megennis this weekend for a doubleheader event around the Road America circuit.