We have 24 drivers on the IndyCar Classic (1 p.m. ET/NBCSN/IndyCar Radio Network) entry list. That’s the same as we saw in the first race of the 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season. But, where this entry list is different is, Juncos will enter their first race of the season with Kyle Kaiser as the driver. With DragonSport not racing, Juncos virtually takes their spot.

Plus, Charlie Kimball won’t be behind the wheel of his No. 23 Chevrolet while Pato O’Ward will make his season debut with Carlin in a new No. 31 Chevrolet entry.

For both new entrants, they couldn’t be more excited to rejoin the series this weekend in COTA. For O’Ward, it’s redemption.

He initially signed a contract to race full time with Harding in 2019. But, that second car never materialized. That left him without a ride. He bet on himself and found a 12 race deal with Carlin in this entry.

“I can’t think of a better way to start my 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season than at my home track at Circuit of The Americas in Austin,” said O’Ward. “COTA is a really great track that I’ve always enjoyed driving and I can’t wait to get in an Indy car and see what it can do around there.”

O’Ward, tested at Barber last week and said that it went really well. That was good to knock off the cobwebs as those were his first laps in a car since the season finale last September at Sonoma.

“We went testing at Barber right after St. Pete and it went really well, so I’m anxious to get back in the car in Austin,” O’Ward continued. “I think we’re going to be in good shape this weekend and I’m going to be working really hard with the team to get the most we can out of the No. 31 Carlin Chevrolet. I’m just so excited to get this season going with Carlin and I’m confident we’re going to be fighting for some really good results all season.”

Kaiser, returns to the team that he won the 2017 Indy Lights season championship with. He also made four starts in this No. 32 Chevrolet last season, but none since the Indy 500.

“I’m excited COTA is just around the corner,” said Kaiser ahead of this weekend’s race. “We’ve been staying busy going over data from our last test days, and I’m confident we’ll be rolling off with a strong package. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and I know we’ll put on a great show for the fans while representing NFP.”