With the addition of two new competitors over the past two weeks, Dalton Kellett has confirmed his departure.
In a developing story out of Indianapolis, Canadian driver Dalton Kellett has announced that he will not be returning to A.J. Foyt Racing. The move leaves the #4 Chevrolet open on the 2023 IndyCar Series grid.
Kellett said in his announcement via Twitter:
“I have made the decision not to continue with A.J. Foyt Racing in the #4 Chevrolet. This is not a conclusion I came to lightly, as both the team and I have dedicated time and effort to putting together a program for 2023. However, at this point, it isn’t the right opportunity for me to move forward.”
“My genuine and heartfelt thanks go out to A.J., Larry, and the entire Foyt team. I will always be grateful for my start in IndyCar and will leave their organization with amazing memories. In my time with the team, I grew as a person and a competitor and am proud of my contributions to their program. Being the underdog team is never easy, but we had some moments to be very proud of.”
“I do not have any immediate updates on my 2023 plans. Until then, I also want to extend a big thank you to the A.J. Foyt Racing fans: you all made my time with the team so special! I can’t think of another team with such a dedicated following, it was an honour to be a part of something that you all hold dear.”
We’ve sincerely enjoyed working with Dalton and K-Line Insulators, and we’re grateful for all of his hard work and dedication to our team, @IndyCar and our fans.
All of us at Foyt wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors! @Dalton_Kellett | #INDYCAR https://t.co/pdFaB0zBTF
— AJ Foyt Racing (@AJFoytRacing) October 11, 2022
Originally from Stouffville, Ontario, the Canadian made his IndyCar debut at the 2020 GMR Grand Prix before beginning a full-time campaign with A.J. Foyt Racing. Throughout two seasons, he was only able to achieve a career-best 23rd at the 2021 Bommarito Automotive Group 500.
There are no immediate plans are in place for Kellett. His statistics have not been favorable over the past two seasons. With the exception of snowmobiling and three starts in the LMP2 at IMSA, open-wheel racing is the only racing the Canadian has known. Will any team be willing to take a chance on him next year?
At the moment there are only two other IndyCar teams that have openings for 2023. First is Dale Coyne Racing. They’ve got David Malukas signed but two seats remain available. The second is Juncos Hollinger Racing. At the moment only Callum Ilott is confirmed to be driving for them in 2023. Will either team believe Kellet fits into their plans next season? Or with a pool of rising Indy Light and F2 drivers in contention has his time in IndyCar come to an end?
The Texas-based team has its eyes set on the 2023 campaign. Santino Ferrucci and Benjamin Pedersen will look to give Super Tex his best campaign since Brazilian Vitor Meira placed 12th in 2010. Though the franchise will always be an American open-wheel staple, only time will tell if the team will be able to crack into the Top 10.
