Andretti Autosport announced today at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Sega that Colton Herta will drive the number 88 Honda power car full-time in the newly formed Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport for the 2020 season. HSR’s Mike Harding and George Steinbrenner IV will join Andretti as leadership partners for the new program.
“This partnership and expansion of Andretti Autosport will bring about a positive direction and new opportunities for all involved,” Andretti said. “I’m also thrilled to be able to keep Colton in the Andretti family. We’ve watched him grow and develop, and we are excited to see the next chapter as he continues his charge in becoming a strong, competitive force in the IndyCar Series.”
Herta became the youngest driver in IndyCar history to win at the Circuit of the Americas race in Austin, TX at 19 years old back in March of this year. He has also won poles at Road America and Portland.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to drive for Andretti Autosport ever since watching my dad drive for them in the mid-2000s,” Herta said. “I’ve very thankful for the Steinbrenners and Mike Harding for their efforts through my career and continued efforts into this year.” Herta continued saying “I’ve grown up around the Andretti team and many of the guys that have been working there since my dad’s days of driving are still with the team. I’m sure I’ll feel right at home. I can for sure tell you this is going to be the longest offseason I’ve had in a while, and I can’t wait to hop in my brand-new Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Indy car.”
Colton Herta will now join Marco Andretti, Alexander Rossi, Ryan-Hunter Reay, and Zach Veach to form the five-car operation for Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport.
“I am very proud of Harding Steinbrenner Racing’s 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season,” Harding said. “The No. 88 crew, Colton Herta, and our partnership with Andretti Technologies have worked extremely well, and we have had some great accomplishments this season. I am also honored that the No. 88 will combine forces with Andretti Autosport to become Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport for the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series season with Colton Herta as the driver.”
George Steinbrenner IV added, “We are extremely excited to be continuing and expanding our partnership with Andretti Autosport. Andretti has become like family to me, and the team as we have shared a connection since the very beginning of Steinbrenner Racing. We see this as an opportunity to build upon a successful 2019 and create an environment of sustained competitiveness. We are thrilled we have been able to retain Colton’s services and look forward to a fruitful tenure together.”
The 2019 NTT IndyCar season concludes tomorrow afternoon from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Sega at 2:30 pm on NBC.
