Davey Hamilton forms Firestone Indy Lights Team
The team has been formed to enhance the careers of young, up-and-coming drivers in various facets of open wheel racing and with Hamilton’s vast experience in numerous types of cars, the creation of a multi-focused team has been a desire for many years.
“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 Brandon (Wagner) and hopefully a second driver to help them fulfill their goals as well."
The first driver signed to the team is Lafayette, IN short track racer, Brandon Wagner who will pilot car number 32, a full season ride in the Firestone Indy Lights. “It’s a true privilege to work with somebody like Davey and having him in my headset while I’m on the track", said Wagner after a recent test session. “His knowledge and experience is priceless and it will be the key factor for us to be competitive in our first season together".
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.
There are numerous announcements to be made in the next several weeks including a new team name and additional team principals as pre-season plans are completed before various test sessions in February and March. A possible 9th Indy 500 is in the works for Hamilton as he expects to have a very busy month of May.
“We have been in multiple meetings to finalize details within the team and the most important priority is to get the cars ready for the first test. Once we have operations running as smoothly as possible, we can work on making this team competitive!"