Belardi Auto Racing announced a partnership with Starting Grid, Inc. that will have Chase Austin compete in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 23.

Starting Grid, Inc. has been the facilitator of a motorsports diversity initiative in partnership with American Honda since 2011, and recently became the Global Motorsport Marketing Adviser for the UNAIDS “Protect the Goal” HIV/AIDS advocacy campaign in support of the FIFA World Cup.

Austin, who will be making his fourth consecutive start in the Freedom 100, will be at the controls of the No. 0 UNAIDS/Starting Grid/BAR entry.

“I am extremely happy being back in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires series, and to race in the Freedom 100 with the defending champions, Belardi Auto Racing, is a great opportunity.” said Austin. “Obviously I am with a team that has the ability to run up front, and considering our new partnership supporting the UNAIDS “Protect the Goal” campaign, and me becoming a global sporting ambassador for the program – I definitely want to do well for them, American Honda, Starting Grid and everybody who continues to believe in me.”

Starting Grid, Inc. team principal Chris Miles said: “I cannot thank Brian [Belardi] enough for providing this opportunity midseason as BAR contends for the Indy Lights championship, and for the continued support of American Honda. For sure this elevates our level of expectation regarding our program this year, but we still have to keep in mind, this is the seventh race of the championship and Chase’s first outing – however, I remain very optimistic regarding a positive outcome.”

“Additionally, we are extremely excited to utilize the Freedom 100 as an international backdrop to showcase the UNAIDS “Protect the Goal” messaging of Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.” added Miles.