Indy 500 could have it’s first starter from China

The Indianapolis 500 could have its first Chinese starter in the field for the race later this month, perhaps a precursor to IndyCar heading for a track in the world’s most populous country.

On Tuesday, IndyCar team owners Sam Schmidt and Jay Penske hired Ho-Pin Tung and gave him a shot to qualify for the world-famous race.

Forty-three driver-car combinations are already expected to vie for 33 starting spots in the May 29 race, and more drivers are likely be added over the next 2½ weeks.

Tung will be one of the least experienced drivers on the 2.5-mile track.

Though he has raced on European road courses, his first attempt at oval racing will come on a track best-known for its high speeds and tricky winds. Tung tested an IndyCar at Sebring last fall for the FAZZT team, which became part of Sam Schmidt Motorsports. That, too, is a road course.

But Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver, and Penske, the youngest son of racing icon Roger Penske, were impressed enough with Tung’s performance they decided to give him a shot to make the series’ marquee race.
He will be driving the No. 8 car — one of three numbers considered lucky in China.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports will provide the sponsorship. Penske’s team, Dragon Racing, will provide the car and the crew.