BC grad Simmons gets Indy 500 ride with Foyt

Former Rahal Letterman Racing driver and Boston College graduate Jeff Simmons will attempt a one-off return to the IndyCar Series with A.J. Foyt Racing.

IndyCar.com is reporting that Simmons will drive the No. 41 machine for the four-time Indy 500 champion's team. Alongside Darren Manning in the No. 14 car, the Foyt duo will try to qualify for the race this weekend. Positions 12-33 are up for grabs after rain canceled the second day of qualifying on Sunday.

Simmons replaced the late Paul Dana in the No. 17 IndyCar for RLR starting at Twin Ring Motegi in 2006. After 23 starts and 11 top-10 finishes for the team, he lost his ride in July of 2007. He was replaced by Ryan Hunter-Reay.

This year, Simmons has raced in the Firestone Indy Lights development league. He has notched two top-10s in three starts.