Ricky Vendl aiming to become the Indy 500's oldest rookie in 2014

Arizona's Ricky Vendl is aiming to make history next year by becoming the oldest rookie driver to start the Indianapolis 500.

Originally from Illinois, Vendl will use the race to showcase The Indy Quest Foundation, which aims to help and support seniors and people in need in America and the rest of the world.

Vendl has previous racing experience in the the United States in various open wheel series including Formula A, Formula Vee and F5000 and was awarded an FIA Superlicense for the first time in 1975. He previously had an unsuccessful crack at the Indy 500 in 1979 driving a Gurney Eagle. However, problems with his team's other car prevented Vendl from making his bow.

Jean Alesi is currently the Indy 500's oldest rookie making his debut at the 2012 race aged 47, whilst prior to that the oldest rookie starter was Lyn St. James who made her debut aged 45 in 1992, winning rookie of the year honours.