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IndyCar: Dalton Kellett lands full-time ride for 2021

By Asher Fair

Dalton Kellett, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, IndyCar - Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dalton Kellett, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, IndyCar - Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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After driving part-time for A.J. Foyt Enterprises in the 2020 IndyCar season, Dalton Kellett is set to compete full-time for the team in 2021.

Dalton Kellett is set to return for a second IndyCar season with A.J. Foyt Enterprises in 2021, and after competing as a part-time driver in 2020, he is set to compete full-time next year.

Kellett, who shared the #14 Chevrolet with Sebastien Bourdais and Tony Kanaan in 2020 and drove the #41 Chevrolet in select events when the team ran three cars, is set to move to the #4 Chevrolet as the replacement for full-time driver Charlie Kimball.

The team had already announced that Bourdais is set to compete full-time behind the wheel of the #14 Chevrolet next year.

Here is what team president Larry Foyt had to say about the signing, according to Autosport.

"“We are very happy to have Dalton back with the team and more importantly that he will be driving full-time. With the limited track time in 2020, it was a tough year to be a rookie, but he jumped in with a great attitude and adjusted to the IndyCar quite well. He was getting quicker with each event and had a great test at Barber [Motorsports Park] recently.“I think Dalton will truly benefit from having four-time champion Sebastien Bourdais there full-time. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our team progresses in 2021.”"

Here is what Kellett had to add.

"“I couldn’t be more excited to be back with AJ Foyt Racing for the 2021 season. Securing a full-time ride is a big boost heading into my sophomore year in IndyCar. Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19 in 2020, A.J., Larry, and the Foyt team continued to develop their car and elevate the program, while standing by their employees and partners.“That’s the kind of team I’m proud to both race for and be a part of. Being paired with Sebastien will be a great opportunity to continue to learn from one of the most experienced veterans in the field. I can’t wait to get back on the track for off-season testing and back behind the wheel in 2021.”"

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In eight starts throughout the 14-race 2020 season, Kellett recorded an average finish of 23.0. His best finishes were his 20th place finishes in the two races at Road America. His lone oval start came in the Indy 500, where he qualified on the eighth row in 24th but finished in 31st after an early crash.

While his results weren’t quite what he would have wanted, he finished all seven of his non-Indy 500 starts, all of which were road course races. Only 12 other drivers finished all seven of those races, including only one other rookie.

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The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is scheduled to open up the 2021 IndyCar season on Sunday, March 7 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Kellett did not compete in this race last year. He has finished as high as sixth place at the track in Indy Lights back in 2018. The team’s first test of 2021 is set to take place at Sebring International Raceway in January.