INDIANAPOLIS – Chris Windom will make another Freedom 100 effort as for a second straight year, the USAC driver will team with Byrd Racing and Belardi Auto Racing for the 17th annual Indy Lights race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Windom, will be piloting the No. 17 NOS Energy Drink sponsored Dallara in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires series.

Last year, Windom was making his debut appearance in the series with the same team but unfortunately due to a practice crash, the car was unable to be repaired in enough time to allow him to race.

“After a disappointing ending to last year’s run for the Freedom 100, I’m very thankful to be given another opportunity to go back to Indy with the Belardi/Byrd team,” said Windom. “I really enjoy working with everyone on the team and I feel like we can be strong contenders for this year’s race. The Freedom 100 is obviously Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires’ most prestigious race and something that will be special to be a part of. I have to thank Belardi Auto Racing and Jonathan Byrd’s Racing along with NOS Energy Drink for giving me the opportunity, and I hope that I can give them a great showing on one of the biggest stages in racing.” – Chris Windom

Belardi Auto Racing and team owner Brian Belardi is excited to have another standout driver added to their Indy Lights lineup, and partnering up with a team rich in history as Jonathan Byrd’s Racing and a great sponsor in NOS Energy Drink.

“We are happy to welcome back Chris Windom and Jonathan Byrd’s racing, a partnership we see being very successful. Chris has proven himself time and time again in dirt cars, and I am positive he will be able to do it in an Indy Lights car. All I am thinking about now is May and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” – Brian Belardi

Once again joining forces for Indianapolis and the Freedom 100 with Belardi Auto Racing is Jonathan Byrd’s Racing. No stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Indianapolis 500, this will be their first time participating in the Freedom 100.

“Things did not go as we had planned last May, but Chris was quick out of the box and learned a lot about what to do and what not to do at the Speedway.  I’m grateful to be able to work with Brian and the Belardi Auto Racing team again to give Chris another much deserved shot at the Freedom 100, as we work to keep a multi-time USAC national series champion on the Road To Indy.  In addition, we’re excited to have the support of NOS Energy Drink in this endeavor, as they have quickly become a massive supporter of Chris and of short track racing.” – David Byrd

Belardi Auto Racing and Chris Windom will be heading to the Kentucky Speedway for a refresher oval test, and to get Windom comfortable once again in the high speed Indy Lights machine. Practice for the 17th running of the Freedom 100 begins on May 20th.