Confirming what Tribute Racing initially reported yesterday, Ryan Briscoe will be the substitute driver for James Hinchcliffe in the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Briscoe will make his 10th start in the 500 from the middle of the final row due to a driver change.
“Obviously, my thoughts go to James, you never like to be a part of a situation like this,” said Briscoe. “To have this opportunity, it’s great. Obviously coming into the Indy 500 on the day before Carb Day, it’s not the ideal situation. You sort of prepare for this race often a year out.”
“I feel with my experience and the experience the team has and the experience that Hinch has had with Allen McDonald putting this race car in really good condition for the race, I feel confident with a few laps today and with Carb Day with all the competitors, I’ll be able to find my groove again and get back up to speed.”
Briscoe will make his first Verizon IndyCar Series start since the season ending MavTV 500 at Auto Club Speedway last year and will make his first start driving the new Aero Kits. He will be given an hour long familiarization session at the speedway this afternoon to prepare for the 500.
