RC Enerson Joins Carlin for Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

After being out of the NTT IndyCar Series since 2016, RC Enerson will make his long-awaited return this weekend at in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, driving Carlin’s No. 31 Chevrolet with Lucas Oil School being his primary sponsor.

Trevor Carlin, Team Principal for Carlin, commented that after spending time with the team and showcased his potential during INDYCAR Spring Training at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, he felt it made sense having Enerson run an Indy car race.

Enerson during February’s INDYCAR Spring Training at COTA. (Photo: Walter G. Arce, Sr./ASP, Inc. )

“We’re excited to have RC Enerson and the Lucas Oil School of Racing on-board this weekend in the No. 31 entry at Mid-Ohio. RC really impressed us at Spring Training at COTA at the beginning of the season and we were very hopeful that something could come together at some point that would put him back in the car,” said Carlin. “RC has spent a lot of time with our team this season and he has quite a bit of experience at Mid-Ohio, including an INDYCAR start a few years back, so he should be able to jump right back in and make the transition a smooth one.”

Since Spring Training, Enerson commented that he and Carlin have worked hard to set him up for a ride. Tuesday’s announcement meant he’ll be the third driver in the No. 31 Chevy this season after Patricio O’Ward went to Super Formula mid-season and Sage Karam running the last two straight races with less than ideal results in both Toronto and Iowa.

“It’s really great to be back driving with Carlin after completing Spring Training earlier this season with the team. We’ve been working really hard to get something together to get me back in the seat at some point this season and I couldn’t be happier that it’s all come together for Mid-Ohio. Mid-Ohio has always been one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. I’ve just always loved the elevation changes and all of the high-speed flowing corners,” said Enerson.

“I’m also excited to be able to carry the Lucas Oil School of Racing logo on the No. 31 this weekend. They are the official school of the Road to Indy Series and it’s been so rewarding to share my love of racing and instruct some of the future stars of INDYCAR over the years. I know we have some work to do this weekend, but I’m confident that with both my experience and the team’s at Mid-Ohio we can put together a solid result.”

The 22-year-old Floridan made his debut at the 2.258-mile road course, driving for Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 19 team when he was 19. This occurred after forgoing his Indy Lights ride before the halfway point of the season. Enerson finished 19th in his debut.

His other two starts were Watkins Glen and Sonoma, with his best run taking place in the former where he qualified 11th and scored his lone top-10 to date, finishing on the lead lap in ninth.

The 90-lap contest in Lexington, Ohio will commence July 28 with the race airing live on NBC at 4:00 p.m. EST.