Carlos Munoz secures full-time IndyCar drive with Andretti Autosport

Colombian driver Carlos Munoz has secured a full-time drive with Andretti Autosport for the 2014 IndyCar Series season, which will begin in late March around the streets of St. Petersburg. The 21-year-old driver made his debut at the Indianapolis 500 earlier in the year, qualifying and finishing an impressive 2nd for Andretti Autosport.

Since making his debut in the Firestone Indy Lights support series, Carlos Munoz has impressed many within the IndyCar paddock. This allowed the Colombian ace to make his IndyCar debut at the legendary Indianapolis 500 in a fifth Andretti Autosport entry, where he stunned the opposition and the entire motor sport community by qualifying 2nd alongside former Series Champion Tony Kanaan. Carlos Munoz managed to lead 12 laps throughout the race, before eventually finishing a strong 2nd only just behind Tony Kanaan.

Along with another competitive season in the Firestone Indy Lights category, Carlos Munoz returned for two more races towards the end of the IndyCar season at Toronto and Fontana for Panther Racing and the Team Venezuela/Andretti Autosport/HVM outfit respectively. Although the Bogota-born sensation failed to repeat his successes of the Indianapolis 500, his four victories in the Firestone Indy Lights Series at both Barber, Long Beach, Pocono and Fontana was a clear indication of his aptitude on both ovals and circuits.

“I don’t have the words to express right now how I feel.” Explained Carlos Munoz, who becomes the fourth driver from Colombia to compete in IndyCar. “I have to thank Andretti Autosport, and especially Michael Andretti, for this opportunity. To be a part of this team, they believe a lot in me, and to pay them back would be to bring them great results. With that, I have to work hard in all aspects – mentally and physically. I’m really happy and I’m looking forward to start practicing and testing. I also have to thank my family for all of their support all these years. Finally my dream has come true. Also to my fans for being here and believing in me; this is just the beginning.”

Carlos Munoz will join former IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Marco Andretti at the outfit, which will boast four full-time drivers for the first time since 2011. Sponsorship for Carlos Munoz’s entry has yet to be confirmed, with the Colombian being sponsored by Electric Energy Straws and Dialy-Ser at the Indianapolis 500 earlier in the year. Carlos Munoz will undoubtedly be aiming for success once the season gets underway, with Andretti Autosport eager to snatch the Championship crown from Target Chip Ganassi and Scott Dixon.

Picture Copyright © Chris Owens/IndyCar Media