New promoter seeking tire partner for Indy Lights

PALMETTO, Fla. (July 16, 2013) — Andersen Promotions L.L.C., the new promoter of the Firestone Indy Lights, the IndyCar companion racing series, is hoping to have a race tire contract partner for the series signed by Aug. 1.

Palmetto-based Andersen Promotions, which already owns and operates the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda and Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires — the first two rungs of the Mazda Road to Indy system — secured the rights recently to operate the Indy Lights series as well for the next five seasons.

Bridgestone Motorsports' sponsorship and supply commitment to the Firestone Indy Lights program expires at the end of this season.

Andersen Promotions said it has held discussions with Bridgestone, as well as with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Pirelli Tire North America, Continental Tire the Americas, Yokohama Tire Corp. and Hankook Tire U.S.A. Inc., regarding the tire supply contract for next year and beyond and expects to have a tire partner decided by Aug. 1.

IndyCar L.L.C., the sanctioning body of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system, disclosed the agreement with Andersen Promotions July 12, prior to the recent IndyCar race weekend in Toronto.

"Firestone Indy Lights will be more closely aligned with its developmental series already operated by Andersen Promotions," said Derrick Walker, president of competition and operations, IndyCar, "and will be positioned for growth to continue to meet the goal of preparing up-and-coming race drivers for the rigors of the IZOD IndyCar Series,"

The Indy Lights series uses a single-seat, open-wheel Dallara chassis powered by a modified 3.5-liter version of an Infiniti V8 engine producing about 420 horsepower. Andersen Promotions is also looking for a engine supply partner for next season.

The series has struggled this season to attract more than handful of teams; the past few races have seen fields of only eight or nine cars.

"(This deal) will create more consistency as drivers and teams advance up from USF2000 to Pro Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights, all under the leadership of Andersen Promotions," Mr. Walker added.

Andersen Promotions, meanwhile, has struck multi-year sponsorship and supply deals with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. for the USF2000 and Pro Mazda championships.

Cooper, however, is in the midst of being acquired by India's Apollo Tyres Ltd.

Dan Andersen, head of Andersen Promotions, speaking at the July 12 press conference, said, "What we need to go along with the PR elements…is to have a tire or engine partner…willing to help us elevate" the series image.

Andersen Promotions will direct on-track activity utilizing IndyCar personnel at shared venues as well as the race director at all events. Andersen Promotions will be the primary contact for all business, marketing and promotional operations with continued IndyCar support

"The history of Firestone Indy Lights is so impressive with dozens of drivers graduating to IZOD IndyCar Series careers over the years," said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. Tristan Vautier and Josef Newgarden, the past two Firestone Indy Lights champions, are among the graduates of the program currently competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series

"Our model for operating development programs appears to be well received by teams and drivers, and I am fortunate to have a strong staff in place. We believe in the Mazda Road to Indy, and are grateful that IndyCar has chosen to continue its support for years to come."

Firestone Indy Lights will run up to 12 race events per year, with the goal of 10 in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series. IndyCar will work with its television partners to ensure broadcast continuity, and will continue to support the scholarship for the Firestone Indy Lights champion to compete full time in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

In preparation for the 2014 season, Andersen Promotions has launched a stand-alone website www.indylights.com, which will run alongside continued coverage for the series at www.indycar.com.