Dempsey joins Younessi Racing

Younessi Racing is expanding its presence in Firestone Indy Lights adding Ireland's Peter Dempsey to the team beginning with the Freedom 100.

Dempsey will drive the team's lone entry at Indianapolis, but will be joined by team owner/driver Rodin Younessi in a two-car effort at Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on June 2.

Younessi has also hired veteran engineer Dave McMillan to re-unite with Dempsey, who previously worked with Dempsey at O2 Racing Technology in 2011. Competing in four events together, they earned two podium finishes at St. Petersburg and Barber, led 9 laps at Long Beach and captured a top-10 finish at the Freedom 100.

"I couldn't be happier about returning for the Freedom 100 at IMS," Dempsey said. "Having Dave McMillan back working with me is a huge advantage as we have established a great working relationship and friendship since we met last season. We have brought in top crew to work with the team and our aim is to enjoy competing for the remainder of the year and hopefully the success will follow. There is one man who has given this opportunity to all of us and that is team owner Rodin Younessi. Our aim together is to be the best we can be and I could never thank him enough for giving me this special and unique opportunity."

Dempsey, 26, is the winningest driver in the history of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and one of only two drivers to win the prestigious Walter Hayes Trophy three times. He made his Firestone Indy Lights debut in 2011 for O2 Racing Technology at four events and Andretti Autosport at five events. He earned four podium finishes with a best of second place at Toronto for Michael Andretti's team, and finished 10th in season points despite only competing in nine events.

"I am very excited to have Peter and Dave on board as we expand our involvement in the Firestone Indy Lights series," Younessi said. "We are committed to improving our team and we are 100% focused on winning the Freedom 100 with Peter. We are a small but unique team in this series. As an owner/driver, I race because I have a strong passion for competition. Our whole team has a love for racing and we are very excited and optimistic about our chances for success."