ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Andretti Autosport confirmed Wednesday that the hauler carrying Colton Herta’s No. 88 Dallara-Chevrolet caught fire en route to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
A team spokesperson confirmed to NBC Sports that the incident happened less than 10 miles from the Florida street course, which will host the opening race of the NTT IndyCar Series season this weekend.
WFLA, the NBC affiliate in St. Petersburg, reported the
The team utilized its other transporters to move the Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport equipment from within the hauler to the race track, where a morning evaluation revealed minor and cosmetic damage from water, smoke and the heat of the fire.
Andretti Autosport officials released a statement on the incident after conducting an evaluation of Herta’s car at the track.
“We want to thank everyone for the outreach and concern. We are still evaluating any damages and hope to have an update soon,” the statement read. “We are thankful to report that no one was harmed and want to thank our transport drivers and local first responders for their quick action and support.
“At this time, damages to the (No.) 88 car appear to be minor and cosmetic, caused by heat, smoke and/or water. We have no current reason to believe that any competition or mechanical aspects of the (No.) 88 car have been damaged or compromised. Our Indy Lights team is in Florida for testing and is now en route to St. Pete to help evaluate and assess. Additionally, we are sending a team of IndyCar crewman from Indianapolis to St. Pete today in advance of the full team’s arrival tomorrow morning.
“We are also preparing backup pit equipment at our Indy race shop, this equipment and a spare transporter will depart Indianapolis today as well. Again, we would like to express our gratitude to our transport drivers and local fire departments for their quick responses and support.”
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
