Claman DeMelo in frame for Sonoma IndyCar drive

French-Canadian Indy Lights driver Zachary Claman DeMelo could make his Verizon IndyCar Series debut at Sonoma Raceway. A few teams are said to be considering an extra entry for the season finale, including Andretti Autosport, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Of the three, it's believed RLLR would run the 19-year-old if they come to terms.

"We're not there yet and there's nothing to report," Bobby Rahal told RACER. Claman DeMelo offered a similar assessment: "I'm working on something and should know if it's going to happen in a few days."

The Montreal native, who holds fifth in the Lights standings with Carlin Racing, has charged through the open-wheel ranks rather quickly. After graduating from karts toward the end of 2014, he spent 2015 racing in a variety of series in Europe before moving to Indy Lights with Juncos Racing last year at the age of 17.

Claman DeMelo scored his first Indy Lights win earlier this season at Road America (pictured, top), which came days after testing at the 4.0-mile road course with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in James Hinchcliffe's No. 5 Honda. Including a previous IndyCar test for SPM at Mid-Ohio in 2016, DeMelo would carry some experience on Sonoma's permanent road course for the Sept. 17 finale.

All of his preparation would seemingly point to an IndyCar berth in 2018, but Claman DeMelo says there are a few factors to consider before it becomes possible.

"It depends on how Sonoma goes, if I do it, and if we can find the sponsorship to do IndyCar next year," he added.