IndyCar: Zachary Claman DeMelo to return to Indy Lights in 2019
By Asher Fair
After competing part-time in IndyCar for the first time in his career in the 2018 season, Zachary Claman DeMelo is set to return to Indy Lights in 2019.
After competing in nine races for Dale Coyne Racing throughout the 17-race 2018 IndyCar season, Zachary Claman DeMelo is set to return to Indy Lights, which is where he drove full-time in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Claman DeMelo, who made his IndyCar debut in the 2017 season finale at Sonoma Raceway driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, drove for Juncos Racing in the 2016 Indy Lights season and Carlin in the 2017 season, but he is set to make his return to the series driving for Belardi Auto Racing.
Here is what Claman DeMelo had to say about the opportunity to drive for Belardi Auto Racing in the 2019 Indy Lights season, according to RACER.
"“I am very excited to be joining Belardi Auto Racing for the upcoming season. The team has a great track record for being very competitive and for getting drivers to IndyCar and keeping them there. Being back in Indy Lights will be good for my development as a driver and as a competitor, but my only goal going into this season is to win the championship.”"
Here is what Belardi Auto Racing team owner Brian Belardi had to say about Claman DeMelo driving for the team in the 2019 season, according to RACER.
"“We are thrilled to have someone with Zachary’s caliber of talent join our lineup at Belardi Auto Racing for the 2019 Indy Lights season. The experience he brings from not only the IndyCar series, but as a race winning driver in the Indy Lights category will really pay off, and I personally am excited to see where the team goes this year.”"
More from IndyCar
- IndyCar: Two teams with no drivers confirmed for 2024
- IndyCar: Chip Ganassi Racing news hints Alex Palou announcement
- IndyCar: ‘Addition by subtraction’ could pay off in a big way
- Team Penske should make a bold driver signing for 2024
- IndyCar: 5 teams that still have open seats for 2024
In 34 career Indy Lights starts, the 20-year-old Canadian has earned one victory, four podium finishes, 10 top five finishes and 23 top 10 finishes. His career average starting position is 8.7 and his career average finishing position is 8.0.
Claman DeMelo earned his victory and his other three podium finishes in the 2017 season en route to a career-high fifth place finish in the championship standings after finishing in ninth in the standings in the 2016 season. His earned his lone victory in the 2017 season’s second race at Road America.
Claman DeMelo is set to return to Indy Lights following a part-time season in IndyCar during which he recorded a career-high finish of 12th place in the race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and led seven laps of the Indianapolis 500 as the driver of the #19 Honda.
How will Zachary Claman DeMelo perform in the 2019 Indy Lights season? The season is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, March 9, 2019 with the first of two races of the St. Petersburg 100 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Be sure to follow along with all of the Indy Lights action throughout the 18-race season.