Brabham & PIRTEK Team Murray Begin IndyCar career In Style

Matt Brabham has begun his Verizon IndyCar Series career in style at the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis - recording a solid 16th finish.

The 22-year-old got through the inevitable first corner incident and once the race went green was able to relax and get himself into a rhythm. Getting the harder ‘black’ Firestone Tires out of the way in the first stint, he was able to change on to three sets of the softer ‘red’ Firestones for the majority of the race.

The feature of his second stint was an encounter with fellow Queensland product, Will Power. Both on the red tires, the rookie was able to pass the former Champion. This was a battle that continued throughout the race. Toward the latter part of the 82 laps, Brabham and the IndyCar’s other third generation star, Marco Andretti were fighting over the last place in the top 15.

In the end, despite being pushed heavily by the grandson of Sir Jack Brabham, Andretti was able to hold onto his place in front of Brabham. At the end of the 82 laps, Brabham brought the PIRTEK Team Murray Chevrolet home in 16th position which was a terrific way to get his IndyCar career underway.

The professionalism and leadership that Matt showed among the crew after a difficult beginning on Thursday did not go unnoticed among the IndyCar paddock with many high profile personalities and media identities praising Brabham’s efforts.

He passed every challenge presented to him with aplomb - it was the longest race in his career, the first race for him in IndyCar and the first race with pit stops throughout his career - which has included 18 victories in the Mazda Road To Indy ladder system.

Monday sees his quest towards the 100th Indianapolis 500 on May 29 get underway, when the Rookie Orientation Program begins. This will see him go through a number of speed tests before IndyCar allows him to head into official practice.