Veach Joins AJ Foyt Racing’s Indy 500 Lineup with LPGA Event
The Indy Women in Tech Championship presented by Guggenheim announced it will be the primary sponsor for AJ Foyt Racing’s No. 40 Chevrolet to be driven by Zach Veach at this year’s 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.
The IWiT Championship will debut at IMS’ Brickyard Crossing Golf Course Sept. 4-9, 2017. The official LPGA tournament will feature 144 of the LPGA’s top talent in a three-day stroke-play event (Sept. 7-9, 2017) vying for a $2 million purse. The course features four holes inside the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
In addition to bringing the world’s best golfers to Indianapolis, the IWiT Championship will raise funds for the Indy Women in Tech foundation. The foundation, established by Guggenheim, was created to provide awareness and funding for impactful women and tech initiatives, particularly those focused on robotics, STEM days and career transitioning for those re-entering the workforce.
“The Indy Women in Tech foundation, along with AJ Foyt Racing and Zach Veach, is committed to making positive changes to the communities where we work and live,” said Daniel Towriss, president and CEO of Guggenheim Life. “This sponsorship allows us to shine a global spotlight on meaningful robotics and career transition programs that will develop our workforce through education and job training to support Indy’s growing resume for tech innovation.”
Said Veach: “To compete in the Indianapolis 500 is a dream I’ve had since I was 4 years old, so when the opportunity came about to join AJ Foyt Racing with the support of the IWiT Championship and Guggenheim, I was ecstatic. A lot of great people helped me to follow my dream, so I’m thrilled to be part of this program that strives to advance career opportunities for women in the field of science and technology.
“Coming to Indy with A.J. Foyt’s team is very special to me. I am counting the days to when I can take my first laps in the IWiT Championship Chevrolet around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at speed!”
Said Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing: “We are happy to have another great entry for the 101st Indianapolis 500. Zach Veach is one of those drivers who has proven he deserves the opportunity by winning through the Mazda Road to Indy series, and he has put in massive effort to get to this level. The IWiT Championship is a great event for the Indianapolis community, and we are proud to help promote this event and welcome the LPGA back to Indianapolis.”
Ohio native Veach, 22, has been successful throughout his young career which began with go-karting at age 12. At age 15, he advanced to single-seater competition driving for the Andretti Autosport team in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series which included stints in US Formula 2000 and Pro Mazda. As an 18-year-old, he moved into the Indy Lights series, the final ladder step before the Verizon IndyCar Series, and claimed six victories and six pole positions in three seasons. Veach lives in Indianapolis.
The addition of Veach brings AJ Foyt Racing’s total to three entries in this year’s Indy 500. The team is fielding ABC Supply Chevrolets for Carlos Munoz and Conor Daly for the entire Verizon IndyCar Series.
This year marks A.J. Foyt’s 60th straight Indianapolis 500 as a participant and the 40th anniversary of his then record-setting fourth Indianapolis 500 triumph, hence the No. 40 on Veach’s car. At 82, the Houstonian is still passionate about his sport and likes his team’s chances with its stable of young drivers, including the rookie Veach, whom he met recently.
“I think Zach has the talent and determination it takes to make it in this sport,” said Foyt, who has a record 67 IndyCar victories. “I like his attitude, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
The Rookie Orientation Program for the Indianapolis 500 begins Monday, May 15, the day the track opens for the regular competitors. The Indianapolis 500 will be televised by ABC-TV on Sunday, May 28 starting at 11 a.m. ET.
