Test at Indy a 'dream-come-true' for Larrison

Short-track standout Mike Larrison was expected to make his first Firestone Indy Lights start last season with Andretti Autosport at the season finale in Las Vegas. A month out from the race, he was injured in a test at Kentucky Speedway that left him with a fractured left heel and ended his 2011 debut hopes. With a new deal at Belardi Auto Racing that will take him to all ovals and the streets of Baltimore, Larrison finally joins the Mazda Road to Indy at the Freedom 100 in Indianapolis.

Firestone Indy Lights drivers will get the honor of track time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the full field of IZOD IndyCar Series drivers hit the track for Opening Day. In many of their first time ever on the historic track, the aspiring stars of INDYCAR will come together for an Open Test on May 11, just short of two weeks out from practice for the Freedom 100.

“I'm going to be really focused on learning the track and getting a feel for how the Firestone Indy Lights car reacts in the draft, take my time and work myself up to speed,” Larrison said. “I'm hoping by end of test day we will be ready to do some qualifying runs and kind of see where we sit speed-wise.”

Most of the season regulars are expected to attend the 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (ET) test session, which fans can view for free from the South Terrace Grandstands. Among those participating are all three points leaders—Andretti Autosport’s Sebastian Saavedra and Sam Schmidt Motorsports’ Tristan Vautier and Esteban Guerrieri.

Five drivers who haven’t run a race in 2012 are expected to join the field, including 2011 participants Anders Krohn (Bryan Herta Autosport), Chase Austin (Juncos Racing) and Peter Dempsey (Younessi Racing). Larrison and Emerson Newton-John (Fan Force United) will also take their first laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a special moment for any aspiring IZOD IndyCar Series driver.

“My biggest thing going into tomorrow's test is my father and I, four years ago, scrapped every dollar and penny we had to buy a USAC Midget to try and get me to Indy,” Larrison said. “We managed to get enough to buy it, but we had to borrow a truck and trailer to get it home. So to actually make it to Indy with Firestone Indy Lights is a dream-come-true for both my family and I.”

The Freedom 100 will take place on Friday, May 25, and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network at 12:00 p.m. (ET).

Open Test Entry List: