Brownsburg, Ind. – Chris Windom returns to Belardi Auto Racing partnered with Jonathan Byrd’s Racing to run in the 17th annual Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24. Windom will be piloting the No. 17 Belardi Auto Racing/ Byrd Racing, NOS Energy Drink sponsored Dallara in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires series.

Windom is making his second trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, after joining in a test day at the Speedway ahead of the Freedom 100 in 2018. Unfortunately, due to damage, Windom was unable to compete in the event. Flash forward to 2019 and Windom is going into the event with the knowledge of what the IL-15 will do and more of an understanding of Indy Lights racing and is looking to show what he can do on the big stage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“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. 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.