Reid passes Firestone Indy Lights rookie test, lands ride

UPDATE Integra Motorsports announced on Thursday that Jonny Reid of New Zealand has joined the team to contest the remaining twelve rounds of the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights Championship. Reid will make his United States debut on the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in Friday’s Freedom 100 as part of the Miller Lite Carb day activities.

Reid recently impressed as he completed his rookie test in advance of joining Brownsburg, Indiana-based Integra Motorsports for the Kiwi’s first career oval race.

“We have a long term plan in place for our Firestone Indy Lights program, and we are excited to be moving those plans forward with a driver of Jonny’s caliber," said Integra Motorsports Managing Director David Hunt. “He has shown he is an excellent racer, and we anticipate that he will be a strong contender this year."

Reid brings a racing resume developed in all corners of the world. After an impressive career as a young karter, he stormed to two New Zealand Formula Ford Festival crowns before being tabbed to race for New Zealand in the A1GP Championship, taking second in the recently completed 2008 season championship standings.

“I am excited about this opportunity to race in the Firestone Indy Lights Series with Integra Motorsports, and what better way to start than to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?" said Reid. “I want to build a career in the United States, and I feel that racing in Indy Lights with Integra is the best possible way to accomplish that goal. I know I have a lot to learn on the ovals, but I’m looking forward to that challenge."

05/19/08 New Zealand's Jonny Reid successfully completed his Firestone Indy Lights rookie test on May 19 at Iowa Speedway, clearing the way for him to compete in the Firestone Freedom 100 on May 23.

The 24-year-old native of Auckland, New Zealand completed the requirements in a car prepared by Integra Motorsports under the direction of Firestone Indy Lights Technical Director Butch Meyer.

"Jonny Reid is a very good driver," Meyer said. "He did everything we asked of him and understood the car very well. He was smooth as glass and very impressive. He was turning laps within a few tenths of the quick time here last year and was working on getting faster."

Reid has competed and won in various junior formulas around the world, and was lead driver for Team New Zealand's runner-up campaign in the recently completed A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.