Norman To Make INDYCAR Debut with Coyne at Mid-Ohio
By INDYCAR | Published: Jun 24, 2021
Indy Lights graduate Ryan Norman will make his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut July 4 at The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the HPD Ridgeline, driving the No. 52 Koinu Inu/EVO entry of Dale Coyne Racing with RWR at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Norman, a native of Cleveland, tested for the Coyne with RWR team earlier this week at Mid-Ohio alongside full-time series driver Romain Grosjean. Norman, 23, will represent partners Koinu Inu, EVO and Three Chord Bourbon on his No. 52 Honda.
“My goal throughout my whole racing career has been to become an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver,” Norman said. “So many years of hard work and sacrifices have finally paid off, and I want to thank Dale Coyne for giving me a shot to show what I can do in the series.
“It’s an honor to be able to drive for DCR. They have shown over the years that they have created a great competitive program, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. I’m more prepared than ever before to show that I belong in INDYCAR and can fight for podiums and wins. It’s time to get to work.”
Norman started his racing career on two wheels in his native Ohio and was a successful motocross racer. He transitioned to cars in 2015 and found immediate success, winning in multiple classes and winning the SCCA Formula Atlantic Championship.
Norman then moved to the competitive Indy Lights series in 2017, driving for Andretti Autosport through 2019. He earned two victories and eight total podium finishes in three seasons, finishing fourth in the standings in 2018 and 2019.
He joined Bryan Herta Autosport in 2020 to compete full time in the No. 33 Hyundai Veloster N TCR and won the drivers’ championship with co-driver Gabby Chaves. In 2021, Norman joined Parker Chase in the No. 98 Elantra N TCR.
Practice starts at Mid-Ohio at 2:30 p.m. (ET) Friday, July 2, live on Peacock. Practice and qualifying are set for Saturday, July 3, with the 80-lap race at noon (ET) Sunday, July 4, live on NBC and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Dale Coyne Racing and RWR have partnered with THREE CHORD
BOURBON for the 2021 RACING SEASON.
Indy Lights Series graduate and Cleveland, Ohio native, Ryan Norman will be making
his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut next weekend at the Honda Indy 200 aboard the
No. 52 Koinu Inu entry of Dale Coyne Racing with RWR at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car
Course.
Norman, who will be representing partners Koinu Inu, EVO and Three Chord
Bourbon on his No. 52 Honda, had the opportunity earlier this week to test with the
team at his home track alongside Romain Grosjean ahead of his first official
appearance as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver next week.
The former Indy Lights driver will get a first chance to measure himself to the rest of
the field on Friday, July 1 from 2:30pm ET during the first practice session. The
Honda Indy 200 goes green on Sunday, July 4 at 12:05pm ET and will be broadcast
live on NBC.
“We are extremely excited to partner with such a young and talented driver! Ryan
and his team embody what we at Three Chord Bourbon are all about; precision in
preparation and execution,” said Three Chord Bourbon Founder/Chairman Neil
Giraldo.
In addition to his role as Chairman of Three Chord Bourbon, Neil is a professional
musician, producer, and film composer with a back catalog of more than 100 songs
and more than 45 million records sold.
“The entire team at Ryan Norman Racing is proud to represent the Three Chord
brand as it exemplifies respect for tradition while innovating for the future. It’s also
nice to add fellow Cleveland native, Neil Giraldo, to our team!” said Ryan Norman’s
father, John Norman.