Team 3G and Kester Racing Combine

IndyCar racing’s newest team, Team 3G announced today that they will partner with Kester Racing to field entries in the Star Mazda Championship in 2009. The new team will become the first rung in the development ladder for drivers, engineers, and sponsors to move with Team 3G to the Indy Lights and IndyCar Series. The Star Mazda team will continue to be based at the Texas World Speedway, with experienced brother and sister drivers J.C. and Kristy Kester.

Team 3G was formed by industry veterans Greg Beck and Steve Sudler following the unification of open-wheel racing and is determined to create a winning development academy for drivers, engineers, and marketers, leading them to the famous Indianapolis 500. Former NASCAR driver Stanton Barrett will pilot the Team 3G car for the 2009 IndyCar Series season.

“This has been the plan since we started the team," said Beck. “We want to provide an opportunity for drivers to begin their careers in the Star Mazda Series and go on to compete in the IndyCar Series. We feel that this is a great opportunity to work with a great group of people at Kester Racing, whose success last season shows how strong they are."

“This will allow us to continue to establish a solid foundation for the team in 2009," said Sudler. “We see this as an opportunity to introduce new marketing partners to the sport at an affordable level, and work with the drivers to develop a sponsorship value proposition that leads them towards Indy Lights and then the IndyCar Series."

Kester Racing and team owner Jeff Kester made quite an impression in their inaugural Star Mazda season, being the only brother-sister team in professional motorsports. Both J.C. and Kristy had a strong rookie season, with Kristy finishing ninth in the Championship Standings.

“I am thrilled to be joining with Team 3G. I look forward to working with them to deliver race wins and a championship run in 2009," commented Kester. “Greg and Steve are building a strong organization and together we will be able to develop young drivers and sponsors with the hopes of bringing them to the IndyCar Series. In addition to J.C. and Kristy, we will be meeting with potential drivers interested in joining our program."

The Team 3G Star Mazda team will kick off the season on March 20, 2009 at the Sebring International Raceway. The 2009 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear season will comprise 13 events, including oval races at Iowa Speedway and the famous Milwaukee Mile. The season concludes on October 10, at the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca.