Camara, Howard, Lloyd and Mutoh Launch Month of May
by Allan Brewer
allan@indyproracer.com
Four of the stars of the Firestone Indy Lights Series make their Indianapolis 500 debut today as Rookie Orientation commences at the Brickyard.
Roth Racing’s Jay Howard, Conquest’s Jaime Camara, Andretti Green’s Hideki Mutoh and Ganassi Racing’s Alex Lloyd (competing in a novel Rahal Letterman Racing collaboration with TCGR) will travel the 2.5 mile super-speedway at Indy as they chase a qualifying position for the 92nd Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
All will participate in the ROP: a five mile-per-hour increment ladder from 195 mph to over 210 mph that earns them the privilege of traversing the fabled circuit with veteran drivers practicing for the Memorial Day race.
Alex Lloyd Leads Fast Group of Learners at the Brickyard
Alex Lloyd, the 2007 Indy Pro Series champ, finds himself the darkhorse favorite among the group despite his absence from regular-season IndyCar Series competition in 2008.
The Indianapolis resident is well-familiar with the circuit, winning on both the road course and the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2006 and 2007 respectively, the only driver in Speedway history to accomplish the feat.
"I am really looking forward to tackling the Indianapolis Motorspeedway in an IndyCar," Lloyd said. "I have been fortunate enough to win on the famed oval, so for me Indy is the ultimate."
"ROP is a great opportunity for me to get up to speed and learn about the car and get comfortable before the real action starts on opening day. My expectations are high and I have been waiting for this day for a long time."
Jay Howard won the 2006 IPS championship on his way to the Roth Racing No. 24 entry he’ll pilot around the big oval on Sunday (May 4th). He’s been impressive, running mid-pack in his rookie season in the big cars.
AGR rookie Hideki Mutoh proved himself fast in the developmental series leading to IndyCar and hasn’t let up on the accelerator since moving into the big leagues.
He set fastest lap in his first IndyCar start (for Panther Racing at Chicagoland Speedway in September, 2007) and recorded a top-ten finish.
Conquest Racing owner Eric Bachelart made no hesitation in hiring Jaime Camara with the loss of sponsor Opes Prime and driver Franck Perera in April.
"It's going to be an amazing feeling to drive an Indycar here since it's always been my goal," said Camara.
"This is the biggest race in the world, and it's such a different vibe. Every time I come to this track I look around and it's just different, the energy is so good and it makes you even more excited for the race."
Jaime has more experience on the Indy 500 circuit than any of the thirteen drivers (save Oriol Servia) who’ll join him for ROP today. He also won here in 2005, driving to victory in the Firestone Freedom 100 that marks the high point of the year for the Indy Lights Series’ drivers.
All four will compete not only for a starting spot on May 25th, but (if they qualify) for the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Award won one year ago by Phil Giebler in the Playa del Racing entry.
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