Photo Credit: IndyCar
It was announced on April 7 that Zach Veach will be driving the No. 40 Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing in the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. The Indy Women in Tech Championship presented by Guggenheim will be the primary sponsor of the car. The announcement coincides with an LPGA Tour event. The IWIT Championship will debut at IMS Brickyard Crossing Golf Course on Sep 4-9 with an official LPGA tournament. The tournament will feature 144 of the LPGA’s top talent in a three day stroke pay even Sept 7-9, 2017. The players will be competing for a $2,000,000 purse, and the course will have four holes inside the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The IWiT Championship will also be raising funds for the Indy Women in Tech foundation as well as bringing the world’s best golfers to Indy. The foundation was created by Guggenheim to provide awareness and funds for impactful women and tech initiatives, especially those who are focused on robotics, STEM days and career transitioning for those who are re-entering into the workforce.
“The Indy Women in Tech foundation, along with AJ Foyt Racing and Zach Veach, is committed to making positive changes to the communities where we work and live,” Daniel Towriss, president and CEO of Guggenheim Life said. “This sponsorship allows us to shine a global spotlight on meaningful robotics and career transition programs that will develop our workforce through education and job training to support Indy’s growing resume for tech innovation.”
Veach has had a pretty successful career in racing, despite his young age.
Veach began go-karting at the ripe age of 12. When he turned 15, he moved up to the Mazda Road to Indy Series driving for Andretti Autosport. He worked hard to get to the level he was at, and was able to turn that hard work into an Indy Lights ride at 18, the final step before the Verizon IndyCar Series. He has six victories and six pole positions in three seasons.
“To compete in the Indianapolis 500 is a dream I’ve had since I was 4 years old, so when the opportunity came about to join AJ Foyt Racing with the support of the IWiT Championship and Guggenheim, I was ecstatic,” Veach added. “A lot of great people helped me to follow my dream, so I’m thrilled to be part of this program that strives to advance career opportunities for women in the field of science and technology.
“Coming to Indy with A.J. Foyt’s team is very special to me. I am counting the days to when I can take my first laps in the IWiT Championship Chevrolet around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at speed!”
With the addition of Veach, that brings AJ Foyt Racing to three entries in this year’s Indy 500. The team is also fielding two full-time ABC Supply Chevrolet’s for Carlos Muñoz and Conor Daly.
This will be AJ Foyt’s 60th straight Indy 500 as a participant, and the 40th anniversary of his fourth Indianapolis 500 win, hence why Veach will carry the No.40. At 82 years old, Foyt is still passionate about racing, and he likes his chances with Veach behind the wheel.
“I think Zach has the talent and determination it takes to make it in this sport,” said Foyt, who has a record 67 IndyCar victories. “I like his attitude, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
