• Harding Steinbrenner Racing and Colton Herta eager to start fifth for the 103nd Indianapolis 500 this Sunday

    The #88 GESS Capstone Honda will compete in the 103rd Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.  Rookie Colton Herta qualified in fifth position for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and will start in the second of eleven rows.

    With a qualifying time of 229.086 mph, Herta was the quickest Honda qualifier and fastest of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 rookie class. He hopes to become the 11th rookie to win the race.

    “It’s been a really great month for the #88 GESS Capstone Honda and Harding Steinbrenner Racing guys,” said team president, Brian Barnhart.  “I’m really proud of everyone on the team.  Colton has done a fantastic job, and the team continues to work so well together. I’m looking forward to Carb Day and to being part of Colton Herta’s first Indianapolis 500 as it should be very special for him. I hope for a fast and safe race for everyone.”

    The 19-year-old became the youngest winner in NTT IndyCar Series history when he won the inaugural INDYCAR Classic at the Circuit of the Americas on March 24, 2019.  On Sunday, he will have another opportunity to make history.  If he wins, he will be the youngest Indianapolis 500 Champion. 1952 Indianapolis 500 Champion, Troy Ruttman, won at age 22 years and 80 days and holds the current record.

    “This is a moment I have waited for my entire life,” said Colton Herta. “I’ve been coming to the race since I was a little kid and now, I finally have the opportunity to start race and that’s incredible. We’re starting on the second row, so that’s even cooler. We have a good chance to win this thing because we have a really fast car, and everyone has been working so hard this month. Now we’re let’s take the #88 GESS Capstone Honda to Victory Lane!”

    Race day pre-race coverage begins at 9:00 a.m. ET on NBC Sports. Coverage will transfer to NBC from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET. Green flag for the 103rd Indianapolis 500 is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 26th.