Kent Indy Car racer Mike Conway has agreed to race for A.J. Foyt’s team for the 2012 season.
The Sevenoaks racer will drive the Number 14 car and replaces Brazil’s Vitor Meira in the team.
Conway made his IndyCar debut in 2009, finishing a season-best third at Infineon. He missed most of 2010 because of leg and back injuries sustained in a frightening crash on the last lap of that year’s Indianapolis 500.
Conway collided with the slowing Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Conway’s car went into the catch fence.
“I can’t wait to start work with the AJ Foyt Racing team and to drive the #14 ABC Supply Car,” said Conway as the signing was confirmed. “I’m counting the days until the first test and the start of the season.”
The 2012 season will offer an entirely new set of challenges and more important opportunities as the technical specifications of the IndyCar Series are overhauled for the first time in nearly a decade.
“It’s going to be an exciting season with the new cars and multiple engine manufacturers,” said Conway. “Hopefully we can hit the ground running with off season developments and be quick out the box.”
“We all have big expectations for the upcoming season, and Mike shares our passion for getting the team back in victory lane,” team manager Larry Foyt said. “There is no doubt he has a ton of talent and, when combined with AJ’s experience, I think we can accomplish great things together.”
Last season, the 28-year-old drove for Andretti Autosport and earned his first career win at Long Beach. It was his only top-five finish in 17 starts.
He had two other top-10 finishes in 2011. Foyt, a four-time Indy winner, will use a Honda engine and plans to test the new car in February.
“With the Series having twice as many road courses as ovals, we looked for a driver who is fast on those tracks and Mike has certainly proved himself in that area,” said team boss, legendary racing driver AJ Foyt.
“I’m looking forward to working with him,” said AJ of his new signing. “I may even be able to give him a little advice when it comes to the ovals!”