Schmidt Peterson Motorsports will give two young drivers the opportunity to test their Verizon IndyCar Series Dallara-Honda machines on Thursday around the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The test will see the team reunited with their 2014 and 2015 Indy Lights driver Jack Harvey, who will run in James Hinchcliffe’s #5 car, while Canadian Zachery Claman De Melo will participate in the #7 car of Mikhail Aleshin.
Aleshin will run ten laps in each car to shake them down before handing over to the respective drivers, and twenty-three-year-old Briton Harvey cannot wait to get going.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in an Indy car this week,” said Harvey. “It’s been a tough year but that’s what makes the return to driving all the better.
“Mid-Ohio is a track I’ve done well at before so I’m hopeful that I can help the team with their testing plan moving forward. Thank you to SPM for giving me this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
Eighteen-year-old Claman De Melo currently competes in Indy Lights with Juncos Racing, and has a best finish of fourth place at Road America, and unlike with Harvey, this will be the Canadian’s first time in an IndyCar.
“I am excited about the test this week with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports,” said Claman De Melo. “We have put a great deal of off-track preparation into my first IndyCar test.
“Sam Schmidt and his team are meticulous about introducing a driver to IndyCar, from fitting myself into the car, talking to engineers, going over the simulator, down to being physically and mentally fit for the challenge.
“Everyone at SPM is professional and I am thrilled that I have this opportunity with such an elite organization. I would like to thank IndyCar and SPM for believing and trusting in my abilities to perform at this level.”