The entry list is out for the Verizon IndyCar Series’ KOHLER Grand Prix at Road America and the most intriguing part of it revolves around the No. 21 Direct Supply Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet.
A one Josef Newgarden is listed in the No. 21 car.
If he drives, it would be an impressive feat following his collarbone and hand injuries sustained last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway in an accident with Conor Daly. Newgarden was released from the hospital shortly after the accident.
That being said, Newgarden has not yet been cleared to drive by INDYCAR, and the driver entered for the car could still be changed by the team.
Per a team spokesperson, Newgarden could still drive this week.
Newgarden has hinted he’d like to drive in text messages both to this reporter and to NBCSN contributor Robin Miller, who expanded in a separate piece for RACER.com.
A further decision is expected later this week regarding whether Newgarden or designated fill-in JR Hildebrand will be racing this weekend in the No. 21 car.
Hildebrand will be going to Road America either way, the team spokesperson confirmed. Hildebrand tested with the team last week.
Newgarden currently sits fourth in IndyCar points and has two third-place finishes (Barber Motorsports Park, Indianapolis 500) as his best result this season.
Here’s confirmation of the above from the team:
Yes, @JosefNewgarden is on the entry list for the #KohlerGP. If he’s ready to drive when the time comes, the #21 @_DirectSupply car is his!
— Ed Carpenter Racing (@ECRIndy) June 21, 2016
We will have @JRHildebrand ready at @RoadAmerica as well if @josefnewgarden does not drive the @_directsupply car. #KohlerGP
— Ed Carpenter Racing (@ECRIndy) June 21, 2016
Still a few days left to make those decisions - @josefnewgarden is working hard to be ready to go! #KohlerGP
— Ed Carpenter Racing (@ECRIndy) June 21, 2016