Andretti Green Racing/AFS Racing Signs JR Hildebrand
Hildebrand finished fifth in the 2008 Firestone Indy Lights championship, earning a victory at Kansas Speedway in addition to eight top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Prior to the 2008 season he had just two Firestone Indy Lights starts, both coming at Infineon Raceway in 2007.
In 2007, Hildebrand finished seventh in the Atlantic championship standings with two top fives and seven top 10s. Prior to 2007 Hildebrand competed in the Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 Championship where he was the series champion with a record 12 wins in 14 races.
Hildebrand has also driven in the Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Cup, Pacific F2000 Series (Zetec Formula Ford), Cooper Tires Championship Series (Zetec FF2000), SCCA Formula Russell Championship Series and Red Bull Driver search.
The ninth Firestone Indy Lights season begins with a double-header April 4 and 5 on the Streets of St. Petersburg as a part of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend.
JR Hildebrand:
"I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to drive for Andretti Green Racing this year in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. It's quite clear that the team earned their spot at the top of the championship standings last year for a reason. I feel with the experience I gained in 2008 combined with the success the team had that we will be one of the teams to beat next year. I look forward to working closely with the team in the off-season and think that we will undoubtedly be title contenders right from the start."
Michael Andretti, Chairman, Andretti Green Racing:
"We are excited to have JR join the AFS/AGR Firestone Indy Lights team. JR's success in the Firestone Indy Lights Series last season showed us that he has a lot of potential. I think he has the talent to give AFS/AGR another championship in the series. We are looking forward to the 2009 season and having JR in the car."