IndyCar: Max Chilton to return to Carlin for the 2019 season

Max Chilton is set to return to Carlin in the 2019 IndyCar season, which is set to be his second season driving full-time for the team.

After driving full-time for Carlin in their first season of IndyCar competition in the 2018 season, Max Chilton is set to return to the team on a full-time basis for the 2019 season, which is set to be his fourth season competing in the sport.

Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is set to return as the primary sponsor for the 27-year-old Briton. Chilton has been sponsored by Gallagher in IndyCar since he made his IndyCar debut in the 2016 season.

Here is what Chilton had to say about the opportunity to return to Carlin for the 2019 season and the fact that Gallagher is set to return as his primary sponsor, according to RACER.

"“I couldn’t be happier to formally announce that Gallagher will be back for the 2019 season partnering with myself and Carlin. Gallagher and Carlin are like family to me and I’m excited to see what we can do together building on both partnerships. Our first year together as an IndyCar team had its ups and downs, but the potential and growth that we showed as a team was obvious to everyone. I want to say a massive thank you to Gallagher for their continuing support of me. To have the opportunity to represent the nearly 30,000 employees of Gallagher, a brand that focuses so heavily on teamwork and innovation, is a true privilege.”"

Here is what Carlin team principal Trevor Carlin had to say about Chilton returning to the team for the 2019 season and the fact that Gallagher is set to return as his primary sponsor, according to RACER.

"“Our first year in the series was a great learning experience for the whole team and we’re thrilled that Gallagher is back on board for our second year. Gallagher started this journey with us and we’re just so thankful that they share our passion for success and really believe in both us as a team and Max’s ability to represent their brand. We’re confident that our second season in the series will be even better than the first and we’ll be able to push our partnership to the next level.”"

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In his first season driving for Carlin, Chilton finished in 19th place in the championship standings, which was last among the sport’s full-time drivers, after failing to finish a single race in the top 10. His highest finish of the season was his 11th place finish in the second race of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix at The Raceway at Belle Isle Park on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan.

Prior to the 2018 season, Chilton had competed in IndyCar for two seasons. He drove for Chip Ganassi Racing in both of those seasons. He finished in 19th place in the championship standings in the 2016 season after recording two top 10 finishes, including a season-high seven place finish in the race at ISM Raceway, in 16 races.

He finished in a career-high 11th place in the championship standings in the 2017 season after recording his first career top five finish and a career-high six top 10 finishes. He recorded a career-high fourth place finish in the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

How will Max Chilton perform in his second season driving for Carlin and his fourth season competing in IndyCar in the 2019 season? The season is scheduled to get underway in under seven weeks on Sunday, March 10 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Details about the full 2019 schedule can be found by clicking here.