Matthew Brabham took the first step to driving in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in May 2016, which would commemorate the 55th anniversary of his grandfather’s maiden trip to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Brabham, 21, tested July 1 in an Andretti Autosport Honda at Iowa Speedway. Verizon IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti, who finished third a few days earlier in the MAVTV 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., set up the car for the .894-mile, variably-banked oval and also progressed through an aerodynamic program in advance of the July 18 Iowa Corn 300.

“I had an absolute blast. I have wanted to drive an Indy car for so long now and to finally get a chance was awesome,” said Brabham, the 2012 USF2000 and 2013 Pro Mazda champion who has competed in 17 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires races for Andretti Autosport over the past two seasons.

“Driving an Indy car in anger for the first time was definitely different to what I am used to, the speed, power and downforce were a big jump. But it did not take me too long and I was up to speed quickly and started to work through the program the team wanted to do.

“It was great working with Marco and drawing off his experience. A short oval is not the easiest place to drive for the first time in one of these cars. But with his and the teams’ help it all came together pretty quickly for me.”

Sir Jack Brabham, a three-time World Champion, made four starts in the Indianapolis 500 with a best start/finish in 1961 (13th and ninth). His son, Geoff, made 10 starts at Indianapolis between 1981 and 1993, with a best finish of fourth in 1983 after starting 26th. Matthew Brabham would be the third third-generation driver to compete in the 500 Mile Race, joining Andretti (grandfather Mario and father Michael) and Bill Vukovich III (grandfather Bill and father Bill).