Courtesy of Andretti Autosport
Former Road to Indy Champions and current Andretti Autosport Indy Lights drivers spent a day in the heartland getting one step closer to their racing dreams. As part of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires scholarship program, Christian Rasmussen and Sting Ray Robb both took to 2.258-mile road course of Mid-Ohio for a test day behind the wheel of an Indy car. Operated by Andretti Autosport, the pair spent the day turning a combined total of 123 laps in the No. 98 Indy car.
"Driver development is a top priority for us through our years of involvement with the Road to Indy program. Andersen Promotions and Road to Indy made this test possible for Christian and Sting Ray as past champions, and we were thrilled to help make the day happen.” said team President J-F Thormann. “Both have shown a lot of promise as part of our Indy Lights team. We’re glad we’re able to help get them one step closer to INDYCAR with the test day and look forward to watching them continue to grow.”
The Mid-Ohio test was the first experience with INDYCAR driving for both Rasmussen and Robb. The taste of speed and physicality behind an Indy car gives the two drivers a peek into their ultimate goal of becoming NTT INDYCAR SERIES competitors.
Robb turned 65 laps with a fast lap time of 1:08.8 after running through three sets of alternate red Firestone tires.
“I felt like a little kid again,” Robb said. “Driving an Indy car has been a dream from day one. I am so grateful for the great Road to Indy series that develops drivers like myself, providing us the opportunity and the ability to achieve our dreams. Thank you so much to Andretti Autosport and all my investors, partners, friends and family. I know I wouldn’t be here without all of you. I hope this leads to some great things shortly.”
Rasmussen laid down 58 laps with a fast time of 1:08.3, also running through three sets of Firestone tires.
“Really excited about finally getting to drive an Indy car,” said Rasmussen. “It’s been a goal of mine for a long time so to finally say I’ve done it is awesome. It has given me some extra motivation to get into one again because MAN that thing was a pleasure to drive. Thank you to Andretti Autosport and Road to Indy for giving me the opportunity and to my family and partners who have gotten me where I am today.”
Rasmussen and Robb regather with teammates Matt Brabham and Hunter McElrea at Iowa Speedway July 23 for Round Nine of Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. The team returns to Indy Lights action after McElrea took home the win for Andretti Autosport at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The race will air on Peacock with additional coverage on Sirius XM and INDYCAR Radio.