Third generation racer Matthew Brabham’s campaign to make the field for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 stepped up a phase after he passed strict fitness tests.
Speaking during the IndyCar Series media day at Indianapolis, Brabham says he received a clean bill of health to continue his push to qualify for the Indy 500.
Brabham will attempt to make the 33-car field for the Australian-devised Pirtek Team Murray that will use KV Racing as a partner to run the Chevrolet-powered #61 machine.
“It’s all starting to feel a little more real now that I was there – signing helmets with the other drivers and standing shoulder to shoulder with them, while also talking about our program and the history of my family at the Speedway,” Brabham, 21, told Speedcafe.com.
“On the positive as well, I passed all of the physicals with flying colors, so it is good to know that I am fit enough to take on the challenges that May will bring.”
The Australian/American allied effort is backed by the US arm of Sydney fluid transfer solutions giant Pirtek and squad founder Brett Murray.
Matthew Brabham follows in the footsteps of his granddad Sir Jack who had the first of four starts in the 500 in 1961 and his father Geoff Brabham who raced in 10 Indy 500s.
“The excitement is really building. There was a lot of talk among everyone about the 100th race, the connections involved and the history of the Indianapolis 500,” Brabham said.
“That Pirtek Team Murray will be there come May and we’ll be able to create our own history is something pretty special.”
The squad has formed a partnership with the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation that raises awareness for military, service veterans and first responders.
Taya Kyle, the widow of Chris Kyle who was the centre of the blockbuster film American Sniper, is the team’s official ambassador for the May 29 Indy 500.
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