Saavedra, AFS pressing ahead with IMSA plans

Longtime Verizon IndyCar Series entrant Gary Peterson and his AFS Racing driver Sebastian Saavedra continue to evaluate a move into IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Ongoing discussions with multiple team owners and chassis manufacturers have been taking place, and with Peterson and Saavedra in attendance at this weekend's Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, the process is taking more steps forward.

"We've been talking to a lot of guys, IMSA and [senior official] Mark Raffauf has been really nice to us, we've spoken with Wayne Taylor, and others while we're trying to figure out which way to go and what programs to consider," Peterson told RACER.

Through Peterson's Automatic Fire Sprinkler business, AFS Racing has maintained a steady profile in open-wheel racing for many decades. From entering as its own standalone team to partnering with the likes of Andretti Autosport and Chip Ganassi Racing, Peterson's familiar red and yellow colors have adorned everything from Indy Lights cars to IndyCars.

With Saavedra as his driver, Peterson has remained involved in IndyCar, most recently in a joint entry for the Indy 500 with Juncos Racing, where the 27-year-old Colombian motored from 31st to 15th. Talks with Wayne Taylor Racing, Starworks Motorsport and other IMSA teams regarding a move into the Prototype class have been held, and according to Peterson, the trip to Watkins Glen is to narrow the focus on which class would be best to consider for a future move.

"It's figuring out what's the best program in all the different classes they have," he said. "We're here for three days to figure it out and have some fun."