INDYCAR: New team could run Chaves in 500

2015 Verizon IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year Gabby Chaves is working on a program that would see his return during the month of May. Chaves, who declined to name the team in question, is believed to be working on a deal with longtime Indy car crew chief and former Indy Racing League team owner Larry Curry.

Multiple sources have told RACER Curry is assembling a team to debut at Indianapolis, and has been proactive in seeking mechanics from the Indianapolis area to staff the program. Those sources also say he has some sponsorship in place, has arranged an engine supply from Chevrolet, and has been attempting to purchase spare Chevrolet bodywork from existing teams.

Most recently, Curry led the Chevy-powered Lazier Partners Racing program at the 100th Indy 500 in 2016, and his new team is said to be assembling at the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing IndyCar shop in Carmel, Indiana.

"With all of the full-time seats pretty much confirmed, my focus has been to find a seat for the 500," Chaves told RACER. "Wish I could say more, but it's looking good."

Multiple calls made to Curry went unreturned.

Chaves, 23, contested seven races for Dale Coyne Racing last year and was being considered for a number of open seats during the offseason before those rides went to drivers with more funding. Searching for part-time opportunities and Indy-only programs has been his fallback position, and it sounds like his month of May plans, if they go forward, could lead to bigger things.

"I've spoken with teams all along, but at this point of my career, it's really hard to bring sponsors on board with all of the money required to run in IndyCar," he said. "I think I have some good opportunities lined up that could develop into bigger things so I'm doing what I'm supposed to, and that's more than one IndyCar race per year."