After being denied at Indy, Ho-Pin Tung aims to become the first Chinese driver to start an IndyCar Series race at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway this weekend.
A deal has been struck between Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Dragon boss Jay Penske to field the Renault Formula 1 test driver under the Schmidt Dragon Racing banner at the California road course. Tung, 28, had hoped to make his IndyCar debut in a Dragon car at the Indianapolis 500 in May, but suffered a concussion in a crash on Pole Day and failed to make the starting lineup. However, after testing the Schmidt Dragon car at Infineon last week, he is confident of a much better showing this time around.
"The track is very technical, with many differences in height, really challenging," Tung said. "This circuit requires an intelligent approach. I am very excited about the chance being offered to race."
Team owner Sam Schmidt added: "Our team is pleased to have been able to facilitate this program for Ho-Pin Tung that gives him another shot in 2011,"
"He was the model of consistency at Indy. It was a shame he couldn't compete in that event, but we are thrilled to be partnering with Dragon Racing to make this happen."