When Hy-Vee announced that it was backing a third, full-time IndyCar entry for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2022, the driver was listed as TBA.
This is both because the Takuma Sato may not return to the No. 30 car and Santino Ferrucci had just a limited time contract that was extended following his P6 finish in the 2021 Indianapolis 500.
Today, though, RLL announced that Oliver Askew, a 24-year old Florida native, would be finishing out the final three races of the season in the No. 45 Honda.
“It’s fantastic opportunity to run the final three races of the season with such a capable team in Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” Askew said in a press release. “We had a very productive test together a few weeks ago at Barber, and I’m excited to drive the team’s car again, this time in Hy-Vee colors in one of the most competitive racing environments the world has ever seen. I believe we can put together a great string of results, and I’m excited to get to work.”
Askew’s career accomplishments in IndyCar come from mainly from the tour’s development division.
He is the 2019 Indy Lights series champion – the equivalent to AAA baseball or the AHL – as well as the 2017 USF2000 winner – single A.
Askew podiumed at Iowa Speedway in his first season in the IndyCar Series in 2020, running 12 of the 14 races for Arrow McLaren SP during the season.
In 2021, he has raced twice – once for Arrow McLaren SP and another race for RLL – both of which came in fill-in roles.
He’s the latest driver to get a tryout ride during the 2021 season with RLL, joining Ferrucci as well as F1 wheeler Christian Lundgaard – who made his debut and only IndyCar start with the team in a P12 finish at the Indianapolis Road Course.
Askew will be behind the wheel of the Hy-Vee No. 45 car when the series heads to Portland on Sunday, September 12. The race can be seen live at 2:00 p.m. CT and will be televised by NBC.
