Sebastián Saavedra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sebastián Saavedra
Sebastian Saavedra at the 2011 Indy 500
Nationality	Colombian
Born	(1990-06-02) 2 June 1990 (age 35) Bogotá, Colombia
Racing licence	FIA Gold
IndyCar Series career
63 races run over 7 years
Team(s)	No. 17 (Juncos Racing)
Best finish	21st (2013, 2014)
First race	2010 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race	2017 Honda Indy Toronto (Toronto)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 1
Previous series
2009–10, 2012 2008 2008 2007 2006–2007 2006–07	Indy Lights ATS Formel 3 Cup Austria Formula 3 Cup Formula BMW Pacific Formula BMW USA Formula BMW ADAC
Awards
2009	Indy Lights Rookie of the Year

Sebastián Saavedra is a race car driver from Bogotá, Colombia. He was born on June 2, 1990. He has competed in many different racing series. These include Indy Lights and the IndyCar Series.

Racing Career Highlights

Starting in Karting and Formula BMW

Sebastián Saavedra began his racing journey in karting. This is where many professional drivers start. Later, he moved into Formula BMW races. In 2006, he raced in Formula BMW USA. He finished 11th in the points standings. He also took part in some Formula BMW ADAC races. During one race, his car was involved in an incident with another driver.

In 2007, he continued in Formula BMW USA. He won one race that year. He also raced in Formula BMW Asia, winning three times. He finished 4th in the Formula BMW World Final. In 2008, he moved to the ATS Formel 3 Cup. He finished second overall with three wins. He also raced in the Austria Formula 3 Cup.

Racing in Indy Lights and the Indy 500

In 2009, Saavedra joined the Firestone Indy Lights Series. He raced for AGR-AFS Racing. He won his first Indy Lights race at Kansas Speedway. This was an oval track. Later that year, he won again from the pole position. This win was on the streets of Toronto.

He returned to Indy Lights in 2010 with Bryan Herta Autosport. That same year, he made his first start in the IndyCar Series. This was at the famous 2010 Indianapolis 500. During qualifying, he had a crash. It looked like he might not make the race. However, other drivers withdrew their times. This allowed Saavedra to get back into the race. He finished 23rd after a crash during the race. The next month, he won another Indy Lights race at Iowa Speedway.

Competing in the IndyCar Series

Saavedra continued his IndyCar Series career in 2011. He raced for Conquest Racing. His best finish that year was 11th place. He did not qualify for the 2011 Indianapolis 500. He finished 25th in the championship standings.

In 2012, he raced a full season in Indy Lights. He also competed in a few IndyCar Series races. These included the 2012 Indianapolis 500.

For the 2014 season, Saavedra joined KV Racing Technology. He achieved a big milestone at the first Grand Prix of Indianapolis. He qualified in 1st place, earning his first pole position. However, he stalled at the start of the race. His car was hit by two other cars. His best finish that year was 9th place in Long Beach.

Saavedra driving at the Grand Prix of Long Beach

In 2015, Saavedra raced part-time for Chip Ganassi Racing. He drove in the 2015 Indianapolis 500. During this race, he was involved in a crash. He hit the wall and another car hit his. He was taken to the hospital for checks. He raced in two more events that season.

In 2017, Saavedra returned to the Indianapolis 500. He raced for the new Juncos Racing team. He finished 15th, which matched his best result in that race. Later in 2017, he also raced at the 2017 Honda Indy Toronto.

IMSA Racing Success

In 2019, Saavedra competed in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) series. He took part in the 24 Hours of Daytona race. His team, DragonSpeed, won the LMP2 class. He shared the win with Pastor Maldonado, Roberto Gonzalez, and Ryan Cullen. They overcame an engine problem to secure the victory.

Images for kids

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  Saavedra at the 2015 Indianapolis 500

See also

In Spanish: Sebastián Saavedra para niños