7 Firestone Indy Lights graduates qualify for Indianapolis 500

When the field of 33 cars takes the green flag for the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, several drivers will be linked by a common bond – the Firestone Indy Lights.

Seven drivers who have competed in at least one Firestone Indy Lights event earned starting spots in the famed race during the first weekend of qualifying.

"It's great to see so many graduates of the Firestone Indy Lights in the field for the Indianapolis 500," said Roger Bailey, executive director for the Firestone Indy Lights. "It's very gratifying to see our last two champions, Alex Lloyd and Raphael Matos, in cars capable of running with the best IndyCar Series teams."

In addition to Lloyd and Matos, other Firestone Indy Lights graduates to qualify for the race include Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, A.J. Foyt IV, Graham Rahal and Hideki Mutoh.

In addition, Davey Hamilton, who serves as co-owner of Davey Hamilton/Kingdom Racing entry of Brandon Wagner, also qualified 22nd.