O’Ward returns to Team Pelfrey for Indy Lights debut

2016 Pro Mazda runner-up Patricio "Pato" O'Ward will return to Team Pelfrey to make his Indy Lights debut on the streets of St. Petersburg. The young Mexican recently won the PC class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Performance Tech Racing and was later signed to complete the full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar with the team, but with a free weekend before IMSA Round 2, competing in the Lights season opener became a possibility.

"I am back with Team Pelfrey in Indy Lights for the first official Series test and for the first race of the season in St. Petersburg," said O'Ward, who will drive the No. 3 Topo Chico/Gap Guard entry. "A big thank you goes to the creator of Gap Guard, better known as Dale Pelfrey, once again for the opportunity and the whole Team Pelfrey crew as well for the continuous support they have given me the last few years."

O'Ward will make his debut alongside teammate and series veteran Juan Piedrahita from Colombia.

"We are very excited to confirm Pato on the Indy Lights front," said Pelfrey team manager Gary Neal. "Not only does this mean we have an exceptionally talented driver, but it's also great to see the Team Pelfrey ladder system in full swing. We are looking forward to a strong outing at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg."

Along with 2016 Pro Mazda champion Aaron Telitz, who was confirmed today at the Belardi Auto Racing Lights team, and Nico Jamin's signing with Andretti Autosport's Lights program, the top three from the 2016 Pro Mazda season will be on the grid when the Lights season opens March 10-12