England's Mike Conway, who won his first IndyCar race last season at Long Beach, was named on Tuesday as the driver for the IndyCar team of series racing legend A.J. Foyt.
Conway's only victory in 39 series starts over the past three seasons came at the Long Beach Grand Prix road course. His top four finishes came on road circuits and Foyt, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, liked that talent.
"With the Series having twice as many road courses as ovals, we looked for a driver who is fast on those tracks and Mike has certainly proved himself in that area," Foyt said. "I'm looking forward to working with him."
Foyt won at the famed Indy oval in 1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977 and joked, "I may even be able to give him a little advice when it comes to the ovals."
Conway, 28, managed his first podium as a rookie in 2009 at Infineon Raceway but at the 2010 Indianapolis 500 suffered season-ending leg and back injuries in a horrific crash, but recovered to return last season and win at Long Beach.
Now Conway will work to fine tune the new cars being used for the first time this season.
"I can't wait to start work," Conway said. "It's going to be an exciting season with the new cars and multiple engine manufacturers. Hopefully we can hit the ground running with off season developments and be quick out the box."
Copyright 2011 AFP American Edition
