After weeks of speculation, IndyCar formally announced that Andersen Promotions has purchased and taken over the assets of the Firestone Indy Lights Series.
IndyCar officially announces sale of Indy Lights Series to Dan Andersen
The struggling Indy Lights Series picked up a new leader and vision with Dan Andersen Promotions.
Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
The change was announced on Friday at the Honda Grand Prix of Toronto by IndyCar President of Competition and Operations, Derrick Walker and Andersen CEO and owner Dan Andersen.
Now that the move is official, Andersen now has control of, and will promote all three stages of the Mazda Road to Indy. That includes the USF2000 National Championships, the Pro Mazda tour and now the Firestone Indy Lights Series.
“The history of Firestone Indy Lights is so impressive with dozens of drivers graduating to IZOD IndyCar Series careers over the years,” Andersen said. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to step in and steer the course for the future.”
Andersen has a history of strengthening the ladder system, having relaunched USF2000 in 2010 and purchasing the assets of Star Mazda before the start of the season. Andersen will control all on-track activity while using IndyCar personnel and will become the primary contact for business, marketing and promotional operations.
Under the new leadership, Lights is expected to run up to 12 races a season with 10 as companion events to the IndyCar Series. IndyCar will work with its television partners to maintain broadcast continuity and will continue to support the scholarship funds for all the Road to Indy ladder stages.
“Our model for operating development programs appears to be well-received by teams and drivers, and I am fortunate to have a strong staff in place,” Andersen said. “We believe in the Mazda Road to Indy and we are grateful that IndyCar has chosen to continue its support for years to come.”
In advance of the 2014 season, Andersen Promotions has debuted a new website for the Firestone Indy Lights Series, which will run alongside the current existing coverage on the main IndyCar website. A new Twitter account @IndyLights has also been launched.
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