Rahal Letterman Lannigan Racing announced on Monday that Juri Vips will make his IndyCar debut by competing in the final two races of the season starting this weekend at Portland International Raceway driving the No. 30 Hy-Vee Honda.
“I’m very pleased for the team to enter Juri in the Portland and Laguna Seca races,” said Co-owner of RLL Racing Bobby Rahal. “Clearly, he was the lead Red Bull Junior driver a few years ago and exhibited a lot of talent, which we saw during the two tests he ran with us so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do on a race weekend.”
Juri Vips is a 23-year-old from Tallinn, Estonia. He competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for Hitech Grand Prix and DAMS for a combined three seasons making 59 starts with three poles, three wins, and 12 podium finishes. In 2022, Vips won two poles, one win at Monza, and five podium finishes.
“I’m super happy to get the opportunity with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and very thankful to Bobby, Mike, and everyone at the team. I haven’t been driving all year so the anticipation for this opportunity has been immense but I’m really looking forward to starting again. We tested together at the end of 2022 in Sebring and it seemed like we just gelled,” said Vips. “I got along with everyone and I really like the atmosphere at the team. Bobby’s also one to give second chances and I’m extremely grateful that he is giving me one and I really hope to bring a good result for him, Mike, and the whole team.
“I hope I can prove myself and most importantly get them into the Winners Circle, which is always my main mission. I feel ready for these races, I think the tracks suit my experience and driving style and the car as well. I’ve already integrated myself with the team this year, doing some work for them on the simulator so I already know the people and feel very comfortable with everyone which is a big benefit for me as well.”
Vips tested an IndyCar twice at Sebring International Raceway on October 12, 2022, and at Barber Motorsports Park on March 13, 2023. In 2022, he was one of the reserve drivers for Red Bull in Formula One. He made his practice debut at the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix.
Throughout his racing journey, Vips has won multiple championships including the Rotax Winter Cup and Rotax World in Valencia Junior Class in 2014, the Italian F4 Rookie Champion in 2016, and the ADAC Formula 4 Championship in 2017 over current IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong.
The NTT IndyCar Series visited Portland International Raceway this weekend for the BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland on Sunday at 3 pm on NBC. Subscribe to Fubo to watch all of the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series season. Purchase tickets for all IndyCar races today on StubHub and Viagogo.
