HVM to start Indy Lights team

UPDATE #2 We are hearing that HVM is in talks with several drivers for their Indy Lights team in 2009. Sources tell us that Richard Philippe may be one of them.

08/30/08 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. In line with their intended goal to become a key player in the IndyCar Series, HVM Racing announced today that they will field two entries in the Firestone Indy Lights Series in 2009. The addition of the Indy Lights team will complement HVM Racing’s program in the IndyCar Series and confirm the team as one of the fastest-growing in the Indy Racing League. The Indy Lights team will be run by Michael Crawford, who will be the General Manager

HVM Racing has a long history of competition and success in North American open-wheel racing primarily in the Champ Car World Series where they captured six wins, 23 podiums and two poles. In 2008, Keith Wiggins, HVM Racing team owner, followed the unification of open-wheel racing and is determined to put all the pieces in place for a winning organization.

“This has been the plan since we committed to the IRL," said Wiggins. “We didn’t want to come into this league and just be another team. We want to be a premier team, but also understand it takes the necessary steps. The move into the Firestone Indy Light Series is very important to us. This will allow us to immediately become a stronger team in 2009," continued Wiggins. “We are going to add additional engineers, mechanics, and obviously we have begun the process of searching for drivers that are the right fit for the HVM Racing brand now and in the future."

Michael Crawford has been a major player in the Indy Lights Series since the series’ inception in 2002 when he was the successful General Manager for Sam Schmidt Motorsports before taking ownership of his own team in 2006. For Crawford, this is an opportunity to join HVM and gives him the resources to perform at a racing organization with proven credentials.

“I am thrilled to be joining HVM. I look forward to delivering race wins and a championship run in 2009," commented Crawford. “Keith (Wiggins) has a super organization and HVM’s expansion into the Firestone Indy Lights Series comes at a perfect time for us to work together. We will begin finalizing our driver lineup and infrastructure immediately after Chicago."

08/02/08 We are hearing that HVM may run an Indy Lights program in 2009 to complement their IndyCar program.