DeMelo to test with DCR; eyes seat
Zachary Claman DeMelo will test at Sebring Raceway, Wednesday for Dale Coyne Racing alongside team regular Sebastien Bourdais. The 19-year-old will hope the test means he is one step closer to a 2018 drive in the #19 DCR-Honda. So does that mean, ZCD to DCR?
DeMelo told RACER, “I’m doing the test with Coyne and it’s also looking more like I’ll be racing with them this year, but nothing’s done.”
The rumours surrounding DeMelo’s connection to DCR have persisted since Ed Jones joined Chip Ganassi Racing in the offseason. The Sebring test will give owner Dale Coyne and the team a closer look at the Indy Lights junior; who drove for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing at the season finale in Sonoma in 2017.
It appears that DeMelo is not the only driver with potential ties to the last open seat in IndyCar. A long list of drivers accumulated over the offseason include, former DCR drivers Tristan Vautier and Conor Daly, and lesser knowns including Jack Hawksworth. The latter appearing as a dark horse candidate as of Monday morning.
If DeMelo is signed whether as sole driver of the #19, or as part of a bullpen for 2018, he’ll share youngest driver distinction with A.J Foyt Enterprises rookie Matheus Leist.
While the list of potential DCR drivers grows, it is becoming clearer.