Aaron Telitz will return for his second year in Indy Lights with Belardi Auto Racing in 2018, with the full intent on running all 10 race weekends.

The 26-year-old Minnesota resident and 2016 Pro Mazda champion currently has a partial budget to start the season and will be paired with the crew that engineered his wins at the season’s first race in St. Petersburg and the finale at Watkins Glen.

“I’m incredibly excited about how our team is developing for 2018, and being able to run Aaron again next year is such a huge positive for our organization,” team owner Brian Belardi said. “As a rookie last year, he showed us his talents immediately, winning the opener at St. Petersburg. As he continued to develop in the car, he became even more impressive. I believe that his performance in the rain at Watkins Glen is a real indication of just how good Aaron is and how good he could become. We’re thrilled to have him back.”

Telitz earned one pole and four podium finishes in his rookie Lights campaign. The two Indy Lights wins push his Mazda Road to Indy total to 10, adding to a pair in USF2000 and six in Pro Mazda during his 2016 championship season.

“It’s a great feeling to be coming back with Belardi Auto Racing to have another go at the Indy Lights Championship,” Telitz said. “This will be the first time in my career that I get to drive for the same team in back-to-back years. The continuity is already there and we will be a force from the drop of the green flag at St. Pete.

“As always, funding could be a limiting factor for me this season as I will be working to finish out my budget throughout the season. Brian has been gracious enough to work with me and figure out how we can make it work this year. I want to offer a massive thanks to my long-time partner Rice Lake Weighing Systems, who have been with me since Formula Fords and continue to ensure my racing career is able to flourish. Also thanks to Morrie’s Auto Group, PPG, Assured Automotive, Styled Aesthetic, Liberty Engineering, and Bell Helmets, who are all on-board to assist in my run at the championship in 2018. I know that we will have our work cut out for us, but I’m confident that we can get the job done and bring the Driver Championship back to Belardi in 2018.”