Indy Lights to merge? Change?
08/11/10 This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Indy Lights boss Roger Bailey told AR1.com, "Firestone Indy Lights will continue as the top level developmental series on the Road to Indy ladder system next year and for the foreseeable future. To that end, we are working with the other Road to Indy series to strengthen the program from top to bottom for next year and beyond. Firestone Indy Lights has committed to the current Dallara chassis through the 2012 season. We have begun the research process for the next generation car, but have made no decisions regarding that formula."
08/11/10 There are numerous conflicting rumors floating around Indy about 2011 Indy Lights. One has the series going away completely and being replaced by Mazda…another has some type of merger between Lights and Star Mazda or Lights and Atlantics. It’s because of the lousy car count apparently. Recall we also said Lights is due for a new car and it will move closer to IndyCar. We hear the IRL wants a manufacturer badged engine in Lights and Mazda makes just too much sense. Recall that Cosworth did the production based Mazda engine for the Atlantic series. Mazda likes being involved in "support" or "ladder" series because they market heavily to the "young" crowd.