Kyle Kirkwood will drive for AJ Foyt Racing for the full season in 2022, advancing into IndyCar from winning the Indy Lights championship this past year.
The young American driver won half of the 20 Indy Lights races held in the series’ 2021 return, winning out over David Malukas for the title.
Kirkwood will take over the #14 AJ Foyt entry that was piloted by the departing veteran Sebastien Bourdais.
“I actually met Larry [Foyt] for the first time in 2018 at Road America when I was driving in USF2000 with Cape Motorsports,” said Kirkwood.
“He was the first person in the IndyCar paddock to show me around the car and explain the dynamics of what it takes to be an IndyCar team and driver.
“From that moment, I felt very comfortable with the atmosphere of the team and now it has come to fruition that I will be driving the #14.
“It’s hard to explain in words the excitement I have to drive for such an experienced and legendary team. I know I will be filling some very big shoes, but I think it’s the perfect timing and group to be able to do so.
“Considering I have 19 years of experience driving, and it’s all led to this moment to becoming a full time IndyCar driver — It’s truly a dream come true.
“It’s incredible seeing the completely unexpected path I took in previous years blossom into something I’ve always hoped for as a kid in karting.”
Kirkwood advanced through all three Road to Indy series, winning the championship at each step along the way.
His Indy Lights season was spent with Andretti Autosport, which opened quite a few doors for the 23-year-old Floridian.
Those opportunities proved useful when Colton Herta maintained his seat in the #26 Gainbridge ride, a result of Michael Andretti’s failed bid to purchase an F1 team and move his young talent onto the world stage.
Kirkwood was given official permission to begin talks with other teams at the start of this month, and now has been confirmed to be swapping one historic IndyCar program for another.
The first race of Kirkwood’s IndyCar career will be at the season opener from St. Petersburg on February 27.
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