By Josh Farmer, IndyCar Reporter
Max Chilton will return for a second season in the Verizon IndyCar Series driving once again for Chip Ganassi Racing.
The former Formula 1 competitor will once again drive the No. 8 Honda with backing from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., which also completes CGR’s lineup for the 2017 season alongside Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball.
Chilton moved to the Verizon IndyCar Series last year after racing in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tire Championship for Carlin Racing, where he finished fifth in the championship and scored a win at Iowa. He also had a two-year year stint in Formula 1, driving for Marussia F1 alongside the late Jules Bianchi.
The 25-year-old Briton finished 19th in the championship standings and had a mixed bag of results. His best of the season came in his oval debut at Phoenix International Speedway where he finished seventh. He also scored his best qualifying run of the year on an oval at Iowa where he qualified fourth.
He made the Firestone Fast Six one time at Watkins Glen and backed that up with a 10th place finish.
Having a year under his belt, Chilton is bullish about his chances heading into his sophomore season.
“I think we were able to build a solid foundation in my rookie year in the Verizon IndyCar Series with the support of Gallagher and the team,” Chilton said. “The learning curve is very steep here, and the field is separated by just a few seconds from top to bottom with really talented teams and drivers, which makes the competition incredibly close.
“Having a year of experience now to adapt to the car and learn all of the courses on the schedule is huge for us. Chip and Gallagher give us everything we need to be competitive and go out to contend for wins, so I’m optimistic for the direction of the No. 8 Gallagher team heading into next season.”
Chilton is set to test the Honda aero-kit alongside his teammates at the Sebring International Raceway on Friday.
