Ana Beatriz back with Sam Schmidt

Sam Schmidt Motorsports announced Feb. 20 that it has signed Ana Beatriz as driver of the No. 20 Healthy Choice/Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry in the Firestone Indy Lights. Beatriz, who goes by the nickname "Bia,"enters the 2009 season as a strong contender for the championship title after finishing third as a rookie in 2008. Beatriz became the first woman in history to win a race in the Firestone Indy Lights when she took the checkered flag at the Nashville Superspeedway in July. She also received the prestigious Firestone Indy Lights Rising Star Award.

"I'm very excited to return to the Firestone Indy Lights with the Sam Schmidt Motorsports team," Beatriz said.

"We had a great year in 2008 as a group, and now we can focus on trying to win more races. It's great to be back. I know (managers) Andre Ribeiro and Augusto Cesario made the right choice last year in helping me establish myself as a driver in U.S. motorsports and racing in the Firestone Indy Lights with Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Being with Sam again is amazing, and being able to stay with team will allow us to continue moving forward. I'm excited Healthy Choice is back with us, and I'm hoping we can win a championship with everyone involved."