AJ Foyt Racing has revealed that its rookie driver Benjamin Pedersen will be piloting the #88 entry for this upcoming IndyCar season.
A car number was not published when Pedersen’s driving deal was announced, and it seemed likely that he would sport the #4 that Dalton Kellett had driven in previous years. Instead the team has opted for a new number to build a new on-track identity for its 23-year-old driver.
The chosen number holds extra significance for the historic outfit, as the team’s founder A.J. Foyt turned 88 years old earlier this year.
Pedersen’s car will have Sexton Properties as its main sponsor, which has sponsored the team in the past, and will feature a bright red livery that is described as ‘Coyote Red.’
“I am excited to get on track in Thermal (Calif.) in just a few weeks with a livery that is recognizable with the iconic Coyote Red and a new car number to AJ Foyt Racing,” said Pedersen.
“We wanted to keep with the traditional color and clean look that will resonate with fans of A.J. Foyt, while bringing a fresh new feel with the number 88. It’s also a special week for the 88 as we celebrate A.J.’s 88th birthday!”
The last time the #88 was used in IndyCar was when Colton Herta sported the number in the 2020 season while driving for Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport.
The new number and livery will make its debut in a couple weeks for IndyCar’s two-day open test session at the Thermal Club outside of Palm Springs, California.
