By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
It has been announced that Garth Rickards will join Carlin for the 2017 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires season.
The 24-year-old American competed in USF2000 the past two seasons, competing in 2015 with Team Pelfrey before switching to Pabst Racing for 2016 and going on to capture a podium at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The jump up to Indy Lights means that Rickards will skip the Pro Mazda Championship – the second step on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder.
“To say I am excited is an understatement and I can’t thank everyone who was involved enough,” Rickards said.
“Carlin has proven that they are one of the best junior open-wheel teams in the world with their track record. Their focus on driver development will really help me grow and move my way up through the field in my rookie season. Trevor [Carlin] and the whole Carlin squad have been extremely supportive and I’m excited to work with them hopefully for many years. I want to personally thank David Luther and Luther Automotive for believing in me and helping me continue to chase my dream. Together with all my associate sponsors coming on board it has put us in a great position to be a force in 2017.”
Team owner Trevor Carlin added his excitement to bring in their newest driver.
“We are extremely pleased to have Garth join us here at Carlin for 2017,” Carlin said. “Garth has shown real potential in his career so far and it’s always nice to see a driver moving further up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder. We know that Garth will be a strong addition to our team and having already worked with him over the course of a test program we’re looking forward continuing where we left off and building a strong program together for the season ahead.”
Rickards, who tested with the team during the off-season, is moving to the team that captured the 2016 title with Ed Jones – who will compete as a rookie this year in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
