Carlin and Chilton kick off IndyCar challenge

©IndyCar

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©IndyCar

Carlin Motorsport, the first British team to race in IndyCar, hit the track for the first time yesterday at Homestead with its sleek new racer and Max Chilton behind the wheel.

Racing in the US is long-term ambition for the Surrey-based team and founder Trevor Carlin, and the British squad will rely this year on the talent of Chilton - a race winner with Carlin in F3 and GP2 during his formative years - and IndyCar veteran Charlie Kimball.

"I am super excited for 2018 as Carlin is like family to me," said the former Manor F1 driver.

"Having raced with them on and off since 2009 and having had my most competitive years with the team, I know we can work toward great things in IndyCar."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.