Dalton Kellett has extended his contract with AJ Foyt Racing, securing a full-time ride with the team for the 2021 IndyCar season.
Kellett stepped up to IndyCar from Indy Lights last season, sharing a seat with veteran Tony Kannan in his rookie outing in the top series.
The 27-year-old dealt with limited track time in the pandemic-affected season, but was able to put in a solid enough performance to earn a full-time seat for next year.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back with AJ Foyt Racing for the 2021 season,” said Kellett. “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 Sebastian [Bourdais] 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.”
Kellett will be joined at AJ Foyt Racing by Sebastien Bourdais, who joined the team for the final three races of the 2020 season and will race full-time in the #14 entry next year.
Having another veteran team-mate will likely help Kellett find his footing in the series, and team president Larry Foyt is hoping to see him improve upon his middling results from his rookie year.
“We are very happy to have Dalton back with the team and more importantly that he will be driving full-time,” said Foyt.
“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 Indy car quite well.
“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.”
Both drivers will be part of a team test session in January, followed by the first race of the 2021 IndyCar season on the Streets of St. Petersburg March 5-7.
