Photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway/LLC Photography
Andres Gutierrez will return to the Mazda Road to Indy ladder this year in a full-time drive with Team Pelfrey in Pro Mazda.
The 17-year-old Mexican appeared in the final two rounds of the 2017 USF2000 championship, with a best of sixth at the Watkins Glen season finale.
He also contested the post-season Chris Griffis Memorial Test, topping six of the eight sessions on track and going second fastest overall.
Other experience has come in the LMP3 class of the IMSA Prototype Challenge and NACAM Formula 4, both of which he has been a winner in.
In F4 he took six podiums from as many starts at the back end of the 2015-16 season, then took two wins and a second from the opening round of the following campaign but only made one further appearance.
By racing in Pro Mazda, Gutierrez will follow his brother Jose, who drove for Juncos Racing in 2014-15.
His cousin Patricio O’Ward, who will race for Andretti Autosport in Indy Lights this year, has also proven a great influence on the younger Mexican’s career, from his time in sportscars last year to signing with Pelfrey.
?Team Pelfrey is one of the most successful teams on the Road to Indy ladder,? said Gutierrez.
“My cousin, Pato O?Ward, found a lot of success with this team in Pro Mazda only several years ago and he really pushed me to sign with Team Pelfrey because he knows what this team is capable of.
“Being with such a successful team will make me work even harder than ever to make sure I bring the results they deserve.”
?I am looking forward to really showing people what I can do. This is my first proper shot at the Road to Indy.
“I am confident we have the speed to be up front in the field. It will be a very competitive field this year with the new Tatuus PM-18, but I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and racing against the other young talents in the field!?