Belardi signs Claman De Melo for Lights season

Former Dale Coyne Racing driver Zachary Claman De Melo hopes to reignite his IndyCar Series career by making a return to Indy Lights. The French-Canadian, who spent two seasons in Lights before contesting a half-season of IndyCar in the No. 19 Honda, will rely on Belardi Racing to chase the $1 million advancement prize on offer to the champion.

“I am very excited to be joining Belardi Auto Racing for the upcoming season,” said Claman De Melo, who drove for Juncos Racing and Carlin Racing during his first stint in Lights. “The team has a great track record for being very competitive and for getting drivers to IndyCar and keeping them there. Being back in Indy Lights will be good for my development as a driver and as a competitor, but my only goal going into this season is to win the championship.”

Winners of the 2014 Lights championship with Gabby Chaves, the Belardi team should be in a strong position to vie for another title with the 20-year-old Montreal native.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Zachary’s caliber of talent join our lineup at Belardi Auto Racing for the 2019 Indy Lights season,” Brian Belardi said. “The experience he brings from not only the IndyCar series, but as a race winning driver in the Indy Lights category will really pay off, and I personally am excited to see where the team goes this year.”