IndyCar turns over rights to Indy Lights

TORONTO (AP) — IndyCar has given an outside organization the rights to operate its Indy Lights feeder series beginning in 2014.

The multi-year agreement with Andersen Promotions gives the company all three rings in the “Mazda Road to Indy” ladder system. Andersen already owns and operates USF2000 and Star Mazda series.

The ladder system provides training for drivers and teams trying to make it to the IndyCar Series.

Andersen will direct on-track activity while using IndyCar personnel, and will be the primary contact for business, marketing and promotional operations.

Indy Lights is expected to run up to 12 races a year, with 10 as companions to IndyCar.

IndyCar will work with its television partners on broadcast continuity and will continue to support the scholarship for the Lights champion to move up to IndyCar.