Harding looks to add second car later this season

Harding Racing is looking to run a second car later in the season as a preview for a possible full-time expansion to two Verizon IndyCar Series entries in 2019.

Rumors in the Road America paddock have placed some of the leading Indy Lights drivers as prime candidates to drive alongside 2014 Indy Lights champion Gabby Chaves in the No. 88 Chevy. It could mean Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward, or Belardi Racing’s Santi Urrutia -- the current top three in the Indy Lights standings -- could get the nod.

Harding Racing president Brian Barnhart acknowledged the team’s youth-driven interest, but did not limit the conversation to Indy Lights pilots.

“We have a goal of becoming a two-car team in 2019 so we are talking to several drivers, including some current Lights drivers about interest and availability,” he told RACER.

“Of course, budget drives all of that, including whether we can run a second car at Sonoma this year.”

For drivers looking to showcase their talent ahead of IndyCar’s long offseason, the Harding opportunity could draw significant interest. Barnhart and team owner Mike Harding have some time to work on its second entry before deciding whether to go forward or to hold off until next year.

“Nothing [is] firmed up at this point,” Barnhart added.