Tatiana Calderón is guaranteed a spot in the Mid-Ohio GP, but sponsor's delay could take Colombian driver out of Foyt for remainder of season
A.J. Foyt Racing will line up this weekend's Mid-Ohio GP with three cars, but the future of the three-car program is not assured. Sponsor issues leave Colombian driver Tatiana Calderón uncertain for the rest of the season.
According to the American Racer magazine, there is a delay in the payment of the ROKiT sponsorship, which is printed on Calderón's #11 car and also on Kyle Kirkwood's #14. In a recent interview, crew chief Larry Foyt said he intends to keep the company as a partner in 2023, but did not make it clear if the cars will be branded at Mid-Ohio, and if there will be money to keep Tatiana on the grid.
With the Colombian's future uncertain, the name of Benjamin Pedersen is beginning to emerge. The American driver of Danish descent is third in the 2022 Indy Lights series, and could debut in the premier class for Foyt later this year depending on the money available. Recently, Benjamin tested for the Juncos team.
Calderón has competed in six of the eight Indy races in 2022, replaced by J.R. Hildebrand on ovals. Her best result was 15th place in Indianapolis GP 1, a race in which she led for one lap. With 53 points, she is 29th in the standings.
Kyle Kirkwood is 21st with 93 points. The highlight result here was 10th place in Long Beach. The driver has already signed a contract with Andretti for 2023. Foyt also has Canadian driver Dalton Kellett in the #4 car.
The Mid-Ohio GP of IndyCar Series will be held this Sunday at the circuit located in Lexington, Ohio. The start is scheduled for 1:50 pm (Brasília time).