Firestone Indy Lights schedule finalized

Nine races on the Firestone Indy Lights schedule in 2009 will be held on the same day as IndyCar Series races, series officials announced on Dec. 2.

The 15-race schedule, divided among eight ovals, four temporary street circuits and three permanent road courses, includes three new venues and the series' first two races outside of the United States.

"It is important to Firestone Indy Lights that our drivers and teams can showcase their talents not only to IndyCar Series teams competing on the same track, but to the fans that come to each event," said Roger Bailey, executive director of Firestone Indy Lights.

Same-day races will be held at St. Petersburg 2, Long Beach, Kansas, Milwaukee, Edmonton, Kentucky, Mid-Ohio, Infineon and Chicagoland, while the season-opening St. Petersburg race, Iowa, Watkins Glen, Toronto and the season finale at Homestead-Miami will be held on the day prior to the companion IndyCar Series race.

The Firestone Freedom 100 is scheduled to be held as part of Miller Lite Carb Day activities on May 22 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, two days before the 93rd Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.

Firestone Indy Lights is an essential stepping stone for drivers and teams striving to compete in the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Teams compete for nearly $4 million in prize money in cars that are second in speed only to the IndyCar Series at most tracks they visit.

The complete Firestone Indy Lights schedule will be telecast in high-definition on Versus and available through live webcasts on indycar.com.

The complete 2009 Firestone Indy Lights schedule: