As it prepares to officially become a full-time Verizon IndyCar Series participant later this week, Harding Racing unveiled a flashy new livery for the No. 88 Harding Group Chevrolet that will be driven by Gabby Chaves and a new team logo.

After making an impressive series debut in three 2017 races with Chaves behind the wheel, Harding Racing spent the offseason building up for its assault on all 17 races this season, adding pivotal new team members and moving into a new shop on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana. The first competition for 2018 is the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this weekend.

ldquo;I couldn’t be happier with our entire organization right now,” team owner Mike Harding said. “Everyone is putting in maximum effort and I’m so proud of the Harding Racing family. We’re ready to put up a fight come Sunday. I’m really looking forward to flying our new banner on the streets of St. Petersburg.”

The new Harding Racing logo symbolizes tradition, movement, swiftness and strength. Inspired by the Harding family crest, the logo incorporates a swallow-like bird, representing perpetual movement and swift intimidation. The new branding is incorporated into the car livery. The wings of the bird in flight across the car showcase the team’s quest to become a full-season contender. 

“We’re excited as we head to the first event of the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said team president Brian Barnhart. “We’ve been on a fast track ramping up the race team into full-season status. We’ve had very successful tests at Sonoma, Phoenix and Sebring, and we’re looking forward to a solid result at St. Pete. We’re also all pleased with the presentation of our new team brand, and I believe it truly represents the Harding Racing culture.”

Chaves competed in the three superspeedway oval races last year – finishing ninth in the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, fifth at Texas Motor Speedway and 15th at Pocono Raceway – so the St. Petersburg race will mark the team’s first venture on a temporary street course.

“I’m super happy that the 2018 season with Harding Racing is about to start,” said Chaves. “The team has made a couple of exciting changes, including a new brand which will change the look of our car and team designs to better signify what Harding Racing is all about. Now that we have completed a few days of testing, we can’t wait to see what we can do.”

Practice on the 1.8-mile St. Pete circuit begins Friday, with qualifying on Saturday. The race airs live at 12:30 p.m. ET Sunday on ABC and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network. All sessions prior to the race stream live on RaceControl.IndyCar.com