Chaves at Coyne for Detroit, hopeful for Texas

The 2014 Indy Lights champion told Motorsport.com: “Detroit is obviously confirmed and Texas is looking good as well. I don’t know what Dale’s plans are after that, so I hope to get something down on paper so we can hopefully move forward for the rest of the year.

“That would be ideal for me and I believe the team, too, because it would give the continuity that I need and the team needs to turn our promising practice performance into good solid race results.”

Chaves starred throughout the first week of practice for the Indy 500, and even topped the 33-car field on one of the days of race setup runs. He said the big difference between his rookie IndyCar season with Bryan Herta Autosport (pre-Andretti merger) and driving for DCR was having teammates.

“Both teams put high priority on the technical aspect of racing,” said Chaves, “and I’ve always said that last year I was really, really happy with Bryan’s team and the car they gave me. But with only one car while we were trying to learn the new aerokits, that limited our chances to try different things; that was all that held us back.

“So in Dale’s team, the guys I’m working with I would rank just as high as Bryan’s team, but now I have a teammate and that makes a really positive difference, and we go forward faster.”  

Sad but not bitter over #98’s Indy glory

Chaves lost his ride to Manor F1 driver Alexander Rossi just before the season started, as Bryan Herta merged his team with Andretti Autosport, but the Colombian sophomore said he held no grudge against the American who won the 100^th Running of the Indy 500.

“No, not at all,” he said. “They’re fantastic guys at Herta’s team, and they all deserved success. Do I wish it was me in that car? Of course – every driver wants to be in the car that wins the Indy 500!

“I’m happy for them that they pulled it off, and I’m sad for myself, but I believe I’ve got plenty years ahead to make that race my own at some point. I’ll keep working on that because I have to focus on my job so that one day will be my day.”

Reflecting on the #19 DCR’s Month of May, Chaves commented: “Yes, it was very encouraging. The only time we lost it was when the track really heated up after Fast Friday and we lost our balance for qualifying.

“That was a pity because we had the sixth-fastest lap without a tow on Fast Friday so I believe we should have been in the Fast Nine in qualifying. But we dialed it back in for Monday practice and Carb Day, although still missing that edge we’d had the week before, and in the race, I think without the two drive-through penalties [for service in a closed pit and improper pit exit] we’d have been seventh.”