Charlie Kimball confirmed with a social media post on Thursday in which NTT IndyCar Series races he’ll be driving the No. 23 Carlin Chevrolet with support from longtime sponsor Novo Nordisk.
The 34-year-old Californian is set for five NTT IndyCar Series races this season: the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 10, the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 26, the DXC Technology 600 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 8, the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 18 and the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey that closes the season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sept. 22.
Kimball, diagnosed a Type 1 diabetic in 2007, is entering his ninth NTT IndyCar Series season following two years in Indy Lights.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue this partnership with Novo Nordisk for our 11th race season together as well as returning to Carlin for our second season in the NTT IndyCar Series,” Kimball said. “Novo Nordisk has been such a great partner over the years and it was such a great experience to be a part of Carlin’s first season in the series last year. We had some great highlights and results last year, and I’m really looking forward to getting back in the No. 23 car on the grid at St. Pete!”
Carlin previously announced that Max Chilton will return in the No. 59 Gallagher Chevrolet for the entire season. Team owner Trevor Carlin said he was pleased to welcome back Kimball and Novo Nordisk as well.
“It’s been really refreshing to see such a strong, long lasting relationship between a driver and a partner over the years,” Carlin said, “and it’s been a privilege for us to not only see it firsthand, but also become a part of that partnership. Charlie’s experience has been a real asset for us as we find our way in this series and we’re proud that both he and Novo Nordisk are back with Carlin and on the grid in St. Pete.”
Foyt honored at Houston Sports Awards dinner
A.J. Foyt, the winner of the most Indy car races in history and now a successful NTT IndyCar Series team owner, was honored with other greats Wednesday night at the Houston Sports Awards dinner – a precursor to when Foyt will be formally inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in June.
Along with his fellow inductees – former heavyweight boxing champion George Forman, retired Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini and former golfer Jackie Burke – Foyt received his blue Hall of Fame jacket and a silver trophy at the dinner.
“This was really special tonight because Houston is where I was born and raised,” said the 84-year-old Houstonian. “To be put in the Hall of Fame with people I’ve known for years and who are celebrities in their own sports field, Jackie Burke, George Foreman and Dan Pastorini, makes me proud. I am honored to be named amongst them.”
Joie Chitwood, chief operating officer for International Speedway Corp. and the former president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, introduced Foyt with a speech regaling his career highlights and legendary toughness for overcoming injuries.
Asked why he never moved from the Houston area, Foyt said, “My momma and daddy were born here, my family was here, my kids were born here and, to be honest, I just like Houston. It’s a great town. I never saw any reason to move away.”