Davey Hamilton / Kingdom Racing Join Forces

Last month, veteran Indy 500 driver Davey Hamilton, announced the formation of a team set to run the entire 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season. The team has confirmed that Kingdom Racing, co-sponsor of Hamilton’s 2008 Indy 500 ride, will come on board as a partner for the entire 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season as well as Davey’s bid for a 9th Indy 500 this May.

Kingdom Racing made history as the first “faith-based organization" to ever compete in 100 years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was originally formed by Houston businessman George Del Canto with a distinct mission: “Deliver God’s word through motorsports". Since last year’s Indianapolis 500, Del Canto has been working towards expanding the team platform with an ultimate goal of competing full-time in the IndyCar series.

“Open wheel racing has been a love of mine since my childhood," said Del Canto. “Having worked with Davey over the last year and having had the opportunity to get to know Brandon (Wagner) and the entire team management and personnel, I am excited to roll all of our experiences and assets under one purpose driven mission in what we hope will be a worthy program for this season."

Davey has made 50 starts as an IndyCar driver, competed in 8 Indy 500’s, is a partner in a group that is leasing the Terre Haute Action Track and is a driver analyst on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.

“This is not my first involvement with a team but I feel this is a step closer to my hopes of having or being a large part of the management of an IndyCar team," said Hamilton. “I really look forward to working with the Kingdom Racing support staff and help them fulfill their goals as well."

The first driver signed to the team is Indiana short track racer, Brandon Wagner who will pilot car number 32, a full season ride in the Firestone Indy Lights. “To have the opportunity to work with and learn from Davey Hamilton and represent Kingdom Racing is a great way to enter my rookie season in an Indy Lights car," said Wagner. “Growing up in Lafayette, Indiana, I have always dreamed of competing in the Indianapolis 500 and having a chance to compete at this level will really position me to achieve that dream at some point in my career."

The team has hired veteran IndyCar engineer, Darrell Soppe as well as Sean Birmingham in the role of team manager. The two will oversee all efforts including a second car recently purchased to run in Firestone Indy Lights pending a driver / sponsor relationship still to be finalized.