Winslow signs with Sam Schmidt for Lights

James Winslow, who has won three international titles in as many years and four in total, has signed with Sam Schmidt Motorsports and will contest the opening round of the Firestone Indy Lights season this weekend in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Winslow already has had seat time in a Sam Schmidt Motorsports car in the off-season.

"The multiple years that James has had in various levels of European open-wheel racing should make him an instant contender in this series," team owner Sam Schmidt said. "He's proven to be quick across the pond, and he's showed us he's quick here in our cars. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do on the track."

As a charitable effort, Winslow's car will be displaying the Bright Side of the Road Foundation logo, a non-profit organization that raises funds for ALS research (www.brightsideoftheroad.org).

Winslow followed up his 2006 Asian F3 crown with similar success in Renault V6 in 2007 before adding another title in the close-fought Australian F3 series. He became a vital member of Team Great Britain in the A1 Grand Prix series and raced impressively in his debut in Australia's V8 Supercar category.

"I'm very happy to be joining with Sam Schmidt Motorsports to race," Winslow said. "We were very quick together in testing, and that's no surprise given the professionalism that the team displays. I had a little taste of American racing last year, and I'm ready to get back into it for this year."