Super Aguri Panther Racing rookie Hideki Mutoh had a successful IndyCar Series debut at the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300.
The Indy Pro Series championship runner-up, who started 13th, finished in eighth place, the best result of Panther’s three cars. The rookie also turned the fastest lap of the race as he passed Buddy Rice on Lap 173.
“My goal was to finish top 10, but that was like a dream, so I’m very happy that I was able to make that dream come true, ” said Mutoh, who clinched the Indy Pro Series’ Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year title on the strength of two wins. “I enjoyed racing with other veteran drivers and I would like to thank the Super Aguri Panther team, spotter Mike Ford, team owner John Barnes and all our sponsors for giving me this opportunity.
“Nothing about next year has been decided, but hopefully I’ll be able to step up into the IndyCar Series full time and start my new racing career here in this league. ”
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