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INDYCAR TO TAKEOVER FEEDER SERIES

IndyCar to take over feeder series - Image: Motorsport Images

By Bruce Williams

Promoters of the NTT IndyCar Series, Penske Entertainment Corp, will take over the role of sanctioning and promoting the Indy Lights series following the 2021 season.

The second tier American open-wheel series is the final step on the successful Road to Indy ladder system and has developed a number of drivers who have graduated to IndyCar.

“For many years, Dan Andersen has been integral to the success of Indy Lights,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp President and CEO.

“His leadership since his group took over promotion in 2014 was crucial. However, with the Penske acquisition of INDYCAR, we have an opportunity to bring the series in-house, which we think can provide greater opportunity for the growth of the top level of the ladder series.”

Over its 35-year history, Indy Lights has provided an excellent pipeline for future open-wheel stars.

Paul Tracy, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden are former Indy Lights champions who have gone on to become IndyCar Series champions.

Of the current grid of IndyCar Series drivers, 20 are Indy Lights graduates, including 2021 race winners Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward and Rinus VeeKay.

Australian Alex Peroni took part in the first 14 races of this year’s Indy Lights series season, while a number of other Aussies have also raced in the series including James Davison, Jason Bright, Matthew Brabham.

“It is about strengthening the pipeline to the NTT IndyCar Series,” Miles continued.

“We want to grow Indy Lights into an even stronger link and final step for drivers, teams and sponsor partners leading to the most audacious and competitive open-wheel series on the planet.”

Andersen Promotions will continue stewardship of Indy Pro 2000 and USF2000.

“It has been our pleasure and honor to oversee the promotion and organization of Indy Lights for these past eight seasons,” said Andersen.

“We are proud of the results demonstrated by the quick success of our many recent graduates. The Road to Indy works as a training program, and we will continue to develop young drivers and move them up to Indy Lights and, ultimately, the NTT IndyCar Series.”

The IndyCar 2021 season wraps up this weekend with the finale taking place at the Long Beach street circuit.

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