IndyCar: E.J. Viso joins Andretti Autosport for the 2013 season

Venezuelan driver E.J. Viso will join reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Andretti Autosport for the 19-race 2013 season.

Viso will drive the No. 5 Team Venezuela PDVSA Chevrolet, joining Andretti’s full-season entries of defending series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Marco Andretti. Viso’s entry is a result of an offseason collaboration between HVM Racing and Andretti, resulting in a joint entry supporting Team Venezuela.

The move allows Andretti Autosport to return to its traditional four-car full time lineup, and gives Viso the chance of joining the championship-defending team. HVM Racing also has something to win from the deal, as it provides for continuation of its business in IndyCar.

“I could not ask for more than to get the opportunity to drive for a championship team while representing my country. After five years in the series I believe I have found the right environment and look forward to having Ryan, James and Marco as teammates. I’m very proud to be able to move into the 2013 season with this new relationship; it’s a dream come true,” said the 27-year-old Viso, who will have Michael Cannon as his engineer.

Viso began his racing career via go karts at the age of 5, capturing five Winter National Karting Championships. At just 15 he joined the world of formula car racing and captured victory at 19 out of 22 events in his debut year. Viso went on to win the Formula 3 British Championship and became the youngest driver in the Formula 3000 International the following year. In IndyCar, he recorded six Firestone Fast Six appearances, 16 top-10 finishes and has led a total of 52 laps during his five years of racing.