Chilton confirmed for IndyCar return in 2019

Max Chilton has been officially confirmed for a fourth year in the NTT IndyCar Series for 2019 after being named into the second seat at Carlin Racing ahead of the new season.

Ex-Marussia Formula 1 driver Chilton made his IndyCar debut in 2016 with Chip Ganassi Racing, spending two years with the team before joining Carlin for its first full year in IndyCar in 2018.

Following confirmation that Chilton's primary sponsor, Gallagher, had renewed its sponsorship of the #59 Chevrolet entry for 2019, the British driver was formally announced in the second Carlin seat, partnering Charlie Kimball once again.

"I couldn’t be happier to formally announce that Gallagher will be back for the 2019 season partnering with myself and Carlin. Gallagher and Carlin are like family to me and I’m excited to see what we can do together building on both partnerships,” said Chilton.

“Our first year together as an INDYCAR team had its ups and downs, but the potential and growth that we showed as a team was obvious to everyone."

Carlin team principal Trevor Carlin added: “Our first year in the series was a great learning experience for the whole team and we’re thrilled that Gallagher is back on board for our second year. Gallagher started this journey with us and we’re just so thankful that they share our passion for success and really believe in both us as a team and Max’s ability to represent their brand.

“We’re confident that our second season in the series will be even better than the first and we’ll be able to push our partnership to the next level."

Chilton recorded a highest race finish of 11th with Carlin through the 2018 season, with his best result in IndyCar still standing as his run to P4 at the Indianapolis 500 in 2017.

The new NTT IndyCar Series season begins on March 10 in St. Petersburg.