By Josh Farmer, Journalist
Andretti Autosport and Bryan Herta Autosport have joined forces for the upcoming 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season.
The #98 car will now be operated by Andretti Autosport with BHA owner Bryan Herta remaining as the race strategist for the car. He will also serve as Andretti Autosport’s driver coach.
This will reunite Herta with Michael Andretti as he drove for Andretti Autosport from 2003-2006 in IndyCar and in 2007 in the American Le Mans Series.
“Bryan is a long-time friend and I was happy to watch him build a successful Indy car team,” said Michael Andretti. “Bringing Bryan and his crew into the family is a great opportunity for all parties to build an even stronger organization. Having Bryan’s experience is a welcome addition to the team.”
“Michael has been a long time friend, and we certainly know that Andretti Autosport was a big part of my career,” said Herta. “When the opportunity came together for us to strengthen our organization and merge with one of the most successful teams and names in the sport, it was really a no brainer.”
All team personnel from BHA will transfer over to Andretti Autosport, with the exception of driver Gabby Chaves, who is left looking for a ride. Despite being let go, Chaves made an optimistic Tweet regarding his future:
Thanks (sic) everyone for the support. Sad day for me, I’ve devoted my entire life to this and it’s tough but I’m not giving up, too far in now.
The team has not announced a driver for the #98 car yet, it was rumored by RACER that J.R. Hildebrand, who has been out of a full time ride since 2013 is in the running for the ride as well as American F1 hopeful Alexander Rossi.
