Aleshin Making Indy Car Return at Sonoma Test, Race
- plugged2racing
- Aug 7, 2015
- 2 min read
Mikhail Aleshin, who sustained serious injuries in a practice crash for the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series season finale, will get behind the wheel of a Schmidt Peterson Motorsports car again Aug. 13 at Sonoma Raceway in preparation to race in this year's finale.
The refresher test will be in advance of the Aug. 30 GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma at the 2.385-mile, 12-turn road course. The test will also feature seven current Verizon IndyCar Series drivers sharing their cars and track time with Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires drivers.
"I am incredibly happy to make my return to this entertaining championship and my team, with which I raced last year and achieved considerable success," said Aleshin, who posted a best start and finish of second last season at the second race of the Houston doubleheader. "It's not always easy to take part in the last race of such a strong championship year, and the car is different from last year, but it was never easy during my career so I guarantee that I will do my best.
"This year, my priority is my (European Le Mans Series) campaign and the continuous development of the BR01 (Nissan for SMP Racing in the LMP2 category). As for next year, we're doing all we can to continue in INDYCAR and I hope this race can be a significant step towards that goal."
Aleshin, who had qualified eighth for the 2014 finale at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., sustained a concussion, chest injuries, fractured ribs and a broken shoulder in the Aug. 29 practice crash. Team co-owner Sam Schmidt said Aleshin "feels like he has some unfinished business" in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
"He was very quick last year and didn't want things to end the way Fontana did," Schmidt said. "Sonoma, being the last race, is obviously an important one. If he does well, maybe we'll see him back here next year."
Aleshin, who qualified 12th and finished seventh at Sonoma in 2014, will be a third Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda-powered entry for the 2015 Sonoma race alongside Ryan Briscoe and James Jakes.
Contact:
mkitchel@indycar.com
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