KV Technology announces Moraes for 09

KV Racing Technology kicked the silly season into gear this morning, announcing 20-year-old Mario Moraes as their newest pilot for the 2009 IndyCar season.

This will be the second season of IndyCar competition for the young Brazilian, who made his American open wheel debut in 2008 for Dale Coyne Racing.

“We are very excited to have Mario join our team,” said KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser. “Mario is young and extremely talented. He impressed us with his performances on both ovals and road/street circuits last year. We look forward to watching him grow and are confident he will be very competitive during the 2009 season.”

Despite his lack of experience on virtually all of the tracks on the IndyCar circuit, Moraes' impressive end of season stats included three top-10 finishes, a top ten-10 start, and leading laps in his Indianapolis 500 debut.

"I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser for this opportunity," said Moraes. "I think KV Racing Technology provides me with the best opportunity to develop as a driver and advance my racing career. I am really looking forward to working with the entire KVRT organization in 2009.”

According to KVRT co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven “Today’s announcement is the first of the 2009 season for KV Racing Technology. We expect to make more over the next few weeks.”

One would assume one of those announcements will address the addition of Brazilian company Votorantim as a sponsor.

No word on which number will be on the car or whom will be alongside the newcomer in the KV paddock.