Rickards joins Carlin for Indy Lights program

Although Rickards is 24, he only switched to open-wheel racing in 2014, when he finished runner-up in the F1600 championship with Team Pelfrey, with whom he graduated to MRTI’s USF2000 season in 2015. A switch to Pabst Racing last year saw him score his first podium finish and take his second consecutive top 10 finish in the championship.

The Mechanicsburg, Penn.-born racer has tested with Carlin in the off-season, and becomes the first driver confirmed by the team which won last year’s Lights title with Ed Jones.

Said Carlin: “Garth has shown real potential in his career so far and it’s always nice to see a driver moving further up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder. We know that Garth will be a strong addition to our team and having already worked with him over the course of a test program, we’re looking forward to continuing where we left off and building a strong program together for the season ahead.”

Rickards added: “Carlin has proven that they are one of the best junior open wheel teams in the world with their track record. Their focus on driver development will really help me grow and move my way up through the field in my rookie season. Trevor and the whole Carlin squad have been extremely supportive and I’m excited to work with them hopefully for many years.

“I want to personally thank David Luther and Luther Automotive for believing in me and helping me continue to chase my dream. Together with all my associate sponsors coming on board, it has put us in a great position to be a force in 2017.”