Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) announced today it will begin a partnership with AFS Racing for a co-entry in the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500. The partnership between the two teams will see SPM personnel utilizing AFS Racing’s equipment. The No. 7 One Cure Schmidt Peterson Motorsports/AFS Racing Honda entry for this year’s Indianapolis 500 will be piloted by IndyCar veteran Jay Howard.

The Gary Peterson-helmed AFS Racing has a long history in motorsports which has seen success as a two-time Indy Lights championship-winning organization (2008 – Raphael Matos, 2009 – J.R. Hildebrand), competing in the Verizon IndyCar Series, as well as its current LMP2 entry in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with drivers Gustavo Yacaman and Sebastian Saavedra.

Sam Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports noted, “Gary and I have been fierce competitors in Indy Lights for quite some time, but in spite of that, he and Tammi have become great friends off the track. Although he has decided to go sportscar racing, he still has a tremendous passion for the Indy 500 and everything it means in the world of motorsports. Gary brings not only quality assets to the program, but also vast experience and knowledge which will be very valuable throughout the month.”

“I look forward to continuing my history in INDYCAR thanks to a good friendship with SPM,” said Gary Peterson, owner of AFS Racing and Automatic Fire Sprinklers. “Together, with Ric and Sam, we have a strong passion for the 500, and seeing my car be part of the 102nd running is very exciting. We have previously competed together with Martin Plowman and more recently, last season with Sebastian Saavedra. Based on that experience, I know what a quality program SPM has and how much they want to win.”

Practice for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 begins today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans can stay updated by following @SPMindycar on social media.

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About AFS Racing

“Helmed by former racer Gary Peterson, AFS Racing is now a sportscar team owner with a merger between AFS Racing and PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports. AFS Racing has a long and successful run in open-wheel racing with multiple championships, race wins and pole positions in the Indy Lights Championship and Verizon IndyCar Series. AFS Racing and Gary Peterson have also been an integral stepping stone in the open-wheel ladder system giving various young drivers the opportunity to showcase their talents in AFS Racing machines.

About AFS INC.

Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. earned its reputation by reacting to the changing requirements of the fire protection industry – without losing sight of two of our primary objectives: saving lives and protecting property. Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. specializes in the design and installation of turn-key automatic fire sprinkler systems for multi-family projects, hotels/motels, mid and high rise buildings, as well as commercial projects. Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. is able to service California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

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