Firestone Indy Lights chassis plan announced

[Source: Andersen Promotions press release]

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PALMETTO, Fla. (July 29, 2013) – Andersen Promotions, the promotional arm of the first two steps on the Mazda Road to Indy which will oversee the licensing and operation of the Firestone Indy Lights Series in 2014, today announced that it has completed an analysis on chassis options for its newly acquired series. The company has reached a decision to introduce a new Firestone Indy Lights race car for 2015 and utilize an updated car for the 2014 season.

The current Firestone Indy Lights chassis will see several updates to enhance its current performance with much-needed newer technology to properly represent the platform as the gateway to the IZOD IndyCar Series. The majority of the updates will be applicable on the new 2015 race car to assist with budgets.

“In an ideal world, we would be debuting a new Firestone Indy Lights car next season,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “Unfortunately, with our very recent acquisition of the series, there isn’t enough time to accomplish this for 2014. Safety is paramount, and we also want a race car that is attractive and interesting to drivers worldwide. By enhancing the current chassis, bringing in new engine and tire partners to activate and support the series while also reducing costs and offering strong incentive programs to current and potential teams, we give ourselves time to do the job properly.

“I have to thank all of the team owners who attended our meeting during the Toronto race weekend to offer their perspectives into the direction of the new Firestone Indy Lights Series. Their input there and over the past few weeks has been invaluable. We are excited for the future. As I said in that meeting, our goal is to rebuild, rebrand and re-buzz Firestone Indy Lights, and that starts with our equipment package.”

The selection of a chassis designer/manufacturer for the 2015 car will be announced within 90 days from proposals submitted by four major manufacturers. The new chassis will be a purpose-built, state-of-the-art race car delivering the appearance and functions needed for Firestone Indy Lights competition with the necessary price points for both the new car and spares to assist with team budgets. This process is being overseen by Tony Cotman, President and Founder of NZR Consulting and the former Vice President of Competition at INDYCAR.

The new car will debut for testing in the second half of the 2014 season.

In the coming months, Andersen Promotions will be issuing bulletins regarding updates to the 2014 car. Additional announcements about the series’ new engine and tire partnerships will be announced prior to the finalization of the new chassis.