Wade Cunningham to drive for Integra
The Chicagoland race weekend will see Cunningham, who took the 2005 Firestone Indy Lights Championship in his rookie season, reunited with his former engineer Doug Zister.
Zister joined Integra Motorsports earlier this season to head the technical program for the team. Integra has established a partnership with Target Chip Ganassi Racing, and has continued to develop its infrastructure in preparation for an extensive testing schedule as well as a fully committed assault on the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Championship.
“Having a driver like Wade running with us is a great way for the team evaluate what we already have, and what we need to work on in terms of talent and resources," said team principal David Hunt, who came remarkably close to a race win during the Mid-Ohio round as the team lead the white flag lap but its driver mistakenly did not take the checkered flag on course. “We want to close this season out on a high note, and set things in motion for next year. We’ve made a tremendous amount of progress this season, and we’re looking forward to putting everything in place for 2009 and getting our test program underway."
Cunningham has a long history of success in the category with five wins and has competed on both oval and road racing circuits this season, scoring a runner-up race finish at Mid-Ohio. The Kiwi also won the Chicagoland event in 2006.
“I’ve known David (Hunt) for quite some time and I’m happy he’s giving me this chance to compete again at Chicagoland," said Cunningham. “It’s great to get the opportunity to work with Doug (Zister) again, and I’m really looking forward to this weekend. Everyone is working on what we will be doing next season, and it is important for me to keep my name in the mix with new opportunities in the Indy Car Series. Hopefully I can post a good result for the team and help them carry momentum into their off-season preparation for next year."