ORLANDO, Fla. (Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009) – Seeking to create a defined path for young, career-minded race drivers to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500, the Indy Racing League has launched the "Road To Indy," a developmental ladder system that includes Firestone Indy Lights, The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda.
The announcement of the program, which is designed to advance drivers from Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda to the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear to Firestone Indy Lights, and finally, the IZOD IndyCar Series was made at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Fla.
"In creating the ‘Road to Indy,’ we are trying to bridge the gap between the premier open-wheel racing divisions and the entry level open-wheel series by creating a clear career path for aspiring racing drivers," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the Indy Racing League, which sanctions the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Firestone Indy Lights.
