INDIANAPOLIS – IndyCar has announced a leadership restructuring for Firestone Indy Lights, the top rung of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder that serves as an essential step for drivers and teams seeking to compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Tony George Jr., who has served as the series’ manager of business development, will take over as director of Firestone Indy Lights from Roger Bailey, who retired after more than 25 years in a leadership role with Indy Lights.
Jason Penix, INDYCAR’s manager of grassroots marketing since 2010, will expand his duties as director of grassroots initiatives.
Vince Kremer, longtime team manager at HVM Racing, has joined INDYCAR as Firestone Indy Lights technical director, while Tony Cotman will return to race control for the series.
"Tony and Jason have a passion for the series, and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in their expanded roles," said Randy Bernard, CEO, IndyCar. "Adding Vince to the Firestone Indy Lights team provides a solid base on the technical side to complement Tony Cotman in Race Control."
The 2012 Firestone Indy Lights season kicks off on March 24 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. Teams recently completed a one-day test at Sebring International Raceway. Other scheduled Firestone Indy Lights Open Tests include March 19-20 at Barber Motorsports Park, April 17 at Auto Club Speedway and May 11 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Firestone Indy Lights veterans Sebastian Saavedra, Esteban Guerrieri, Gustavo Yacaman, Victor Carbone and Jorge Goncalvez return to the grid this season. Star Mazda champion Tristan Vautier is one the rookies graduating to the Firestone Indy Lights as part of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system.
