Indy 500: Zachary Claman DeMelo to replace Pietro Fittipaldi at Dale Coyne Racing

Zachary Claman DeMelo is set to replace Pietro Fittipaldi at Dale Coyne Racing in the 102nd running of the Indy 500 in under two weeks.

After 21-year-old Pietro Fittipaldi broke both of his legs at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium in a World Endurance Championship race nearly two weeks ago, Dale Coyne Racing have been searching for his replacement in the #19 Honda in IndyCar for the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

Fittipaldi was named one of the two part-time drivers of the #19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda prior to the start of the 2018 IndyCar season, and he was scheduled to compete in a total of seven races throughout the season. However, he only ended up competing in the race at ISM Raceway at the beginning of April prior to his accident.

Dale Coyne Racing have now officially confirmed that 20-year-old Zachary Claman DeMelo, who is already the other part-time driver of the #19 Honda, will be that replacement driver for Fittipaldi in the Indy 500 after he replaced him in the IndyCar Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past Saturday.

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Claman DeMelo has made five career IndyCar starts, with four coming so far this season driving the #19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda. He made his series debut in last year’s season finale at Sonoma Raceway driving the #13 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

The 20-year-old Canadian has never competed in an IndyCar oval race and has a career-high finish of sixth place in three oval races in his Indy Lights career, as he finished in sixth in all three oval races at Indianapolis, Iowa and Gateway last season. His best career IndyCar finish so far is his 12th place result in the IndyCar Grand Prix this past Saturday.

Here is what Claman DeMelo had to say about the opportunity to replace Fittipaldi at Dale Coyne Racing in the #19 Honda for the 102nd running of the Indy 500, according to IndyCar.com.

"“I’m very much looking forward to turning my first laps aboard the No. 19 Paysafe Indy car on the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s an iconic venue and I’m extremely fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to drive here. Again, it’s unfortunate that it’s under these circumstances with Pietro’s injuries, so I realize how lucky I am to have this chance. I want to thank Dale (Coyne) and Paysafe for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to get on track to complete my rookie orientation program.”"

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Be sure not to miss the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 27 to see how Zachary Claman DeMelo performs in his first career start in an IndyCar oval race. It is set to be broadcast live on ABC starting at 11:00 a.m. ET on that date.