Saavedra to race for Schmidt Peterson at Pocono, Gateway

The Colombian, who subbed impressively for Aleshin at Toronto, will join teammate James Hinchcliffe at Pocono Raceway this week and Gateway Motorsports Park the following weekend.

Saavedra's other IndyCar event this year was racing for series debutant Juncos Racing at the Indianapolis 500. 

Said Saavedra: “I am very excited to be back with the SPM organization. It's another late call to jump in, but I take it with pride after a promising start to our relationship in Toronto.

“Looking forward to a challenging event as the Tricky Triangle [Pocono] can be, and supporting Hinchcliffe in his pursuit of championship points. I'm thankful to my sponsors and my continued relationship with AFS Inc.”

Gary Peterson, president and CEO of Saavedra’s sponsor, AFS Inc., stated: “It’s great to team up with Sam after the great rivalry we had in the Indy Lights championship. After Sebastian’s positive performance in Toronto, the next two events will be an opportunity to show his strength on ovals and that he is a great candidate for the 2018 season with SPM.”

General manager of SPM, Piers Phillips added: “Delighted to have Sebastian back with the SPM team following what was a very encouraging performance at the Toronto event. He is experienced and competent, and I have no doubt he will contribute to the overall performance of the team.

“We’re heading to Pocono full of confidence as a team and we’re looking forward to hopefully seeing Sebastian and James at the front of the pack.”

DTM ace Robert Wickens has stated his desire to race for Schmidt Peterson in the final two races of the season, at Watkins Glen and Sonoma, but the team has not yet confirmed which driver will land the #7 seat for the road courses.