AUSSIE TO TEST INDYCAR

Australian ex-pat James Allen to test IndyCar – Photo: InSyde Media

Australian ex-pat James Allen is travelling to America to complete an IndyCar test at Sebring with Dragonspeed.

By HEATH McALPINE

Allen completed a half-day test in an Ash Seward Motorsport Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR ahead of an expected Asia Pacific Cup entry at this year’s Australian Grand Prix due to jetting out yesterday to head to the US.

Auto Action spoke to Allen about the IndyCar testing opportunity late last year, but no details of the test were known at the time.

“I still believe I’m doing two-days of IndyCar testing,” Allen said at the time. “I’m looking forward to it, it should be good.”

The test is a result of Allen’s long relationship with Dragonspeed, which has included a number of prototype starts including in the top-tier World Endurance Championship class LMP1. The American team completed a five-race schedule, including the Indy 500 in its debut season of IndyCar with experienced Brit Ben Hanley behind the wheel.

Allen of late has had limited driving opportunities due to a high driver ranking after finishing third in the European Le Mans Series in 2017 for Graff Racing, the same team he will compete within this year’s ELMS.

Recently, Allen competed in the inaugural TCR Australia Series finale at The Bend Motorsport Park in what was his first-time racing a front-wheel drive, an opportunity that the 23-year-old found a little daunting.

“Everything was brand new,” Allen told Auto Action post-event. “Front-wheel-drive, heavy car, low aero, it was just all new to me, everything’s backwards so definitely a learning experience, a lot to get my head around but it was great fun. The racing was fantastic, I had a lot of fun with the Ash Seward Motorsport team.”

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