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IndyCar: Charlie Kimball set for A.J. Foyt Enterprises return

By Asher Fair

Charlie Kimball, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, IndyCar (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Charlie Kimball, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, IndyCar (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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After competing full-time for A.J. Foyt Enterprises in the 2020 IndyCar season, Charlie Kimball is set to return to the team for the month of May in 2021.

Charlie Kimball won’t be back for a second year as a full-time driver for A.J. Foyt Enterprises in the 2021 IndyCar season, but he is still slated to return to the team and partner with longtime sponsor Novo Nordisk.

Kimball is set to pilot the #11 Chevrolet throughout the month of May, first in the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Saturday, May 15 and then in the 105th running of the Indy 500 on the track’s oval on Sunday, May 30.

Here is what Kimball had to say about this opportunity.

"“I am excited to once again represent Novo Nordisk and the diabetes community and to join AJ Foyt Racing for the Month of May. I have never run at Indianapolis without Novo Nordisk and to be able to return this year with the support of the legendary A.J. Foyt, Larry Foyt, and everyone at AJ Foyt Racing, will certainly be special.”"

Here is what team president Larry Foyt had to add.

"“It’s awesome to have Charlie and Novo Nordisk back for the month of May. They were both great to work with throughout the challenges of 2020, and I’m glad we can continue the program. Charlie is focused on producing great results, and we are working hard to put the best group together for success.”"

Here is what Chip Amrein, Novo Nordisk lifecycle management and connected care lead, had to say.

"“Over the last 13 years, Charlie Kimball and Race with Insulin have become an important part of Novo Nordisk. We are pleased to join AJ Foyt Racing for both the Indianapolis Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500 this year and to continue supporting Charlie as an ambassador and inspiration within the diabetes community.”"

The team had previously confirmed that Dalton Kellett and Sebastien Bourdais, two drivers who competed part-time for the team last year, are set to compete full-time in 2021.

Kellett is set to drive the #4 Chevrolet which Kimball drove last year and Bourdais is set to drive the #14 Chevrolet.

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As a result, the only change from a driver perspective in A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ lineup for the 2021 season is the absence of Tony Kanaan, who has moved to Chip Ganassi Racing to compete in the four oval races on the 17-race schedule. Their other three drivers from last year are all set to be back in 2021, albeit in different roles.

In 155 career IndyCar starts over the course of 10 seasons, Kimball has one win at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2013 and an additional five podium finishes, most recently a third place finish at Sonoma Raceway in 2015.

In eight career starts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, he has three top five finishes, all fifth place finishes, in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He finished in 18th, 13th and 23rd in the three races there last year.

He has made 10 career Indy 500 starts and recorded a top finish of third place in 2015 along with a fifth place finish in 2016 and two other top 10 finishes in 2012 and 2013. He finished in 18th last year.

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The 2021 IndyCar season is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, April 18 at Barber Motorsports with the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Presented by AmFirst following three early-season schedule changes related to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.