Firestone Indy Lights drivers return to action

Firestone Indy Lights teams and drivers return to action at the world’s biggest racing stage – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Twenty-seven drivers are entered in the sixth Firestone Freedom 100. Practice and SWE Pole Qualifying are scheduled for May 22, with the 40-lap race on the historic 2.5-mile oval slated for May 23.

The record field features three more cars than last year’s race and includes 2006 race winner Wade Cunningham and Jeff Simmons, who also will compete in the 92nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25.

J.R. Hildebrand, the series points leader following his first career victory at Kansas Speedway in late April, carries the most momentum into the event.

“Being a points leader coming in, you're able to come in with some confidence," said Hildebrand, who drives the No. 25 RLR/Andersen Racing entry. “The team is able to come in with some confidence. We had a really good test here back in March, so I'm really looking forward to it.

“(Indianapolis) is a place like no other. And just being able to get out on track and in the practice session that we had here a little over a month ago, that really hit in a big way, I think, to all the competitors, particularly the ones that hadn't been here before, myself included. And so it's going to be a big race and a big weekend for us."

Other drivers entered include Sean Guthrie, son of three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Jim Guthrie, Arie Luyendyk Jr., son of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, and Al Unser III, grandson of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser and son of two-time winner Al Unser Jr.

“I finished third here in 2004 with (Sam) Schmidt (Motorsports)," Luyendyk said. “I think the AFS/Andretti (Green Racing) guys have a better car. Hopefully, we can stick it up front and lead all day on Friday. That would definitely take off a lot of pressure. Looking just to do my best."