By Christopher DeHarde, IndyCar & Road to Indy Writer
Carlin has expanded again in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires. After competing in 2015 with two cars and 2016 with three cars, the team has expanded to a fourth car and has brought back Neil Alberico to drive one of them alongside Zachary Claman DeMelo, Matheus Leist and Garth Rickards.
Alberico had a less than ideal 2016 Indy Lights season with only one top 5 finish at Watkins Glen to carry him to 11th in points. However, Alberico has a much more successful Mazda Road to Indy resume than his 2016 season lets on.
Alberico spent two years in both the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda and the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires. In USF2000 Alberico had a very successful second season, finishing as the series runner-up in 2013 driving for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing.
Staying with the same team, Alberico moved up the ladder where he finished third and second in the championship in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Alberico will have a tough mountain to climb in order to have a successful 2017 season.
“I’m excited to be back with Carlin for my second year in Indy Lights. The entire team has invested a lot of time and energy into my career, and I couldn’t be happier to continue our relationship together in 2017. Of course a big thanks goes to Art Wilmes and Rising Star Racing for sticking with me for all these years. Without RSR’s continued support I would never have the opportunity to compete at the level I am today. Now we aim to go and fight for some wins,” Alberico said in a statement released by the team.
