J.R. Hildebrand signs with Andretti Green Racing/AFS for 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season

11.13.2008

After winning its first Firestone Firehawk Cup with Raphael Matos in 2008, Andretti Green Racing/AFS Racing has quickly reloaded for its title defense by signing J.R. Hildebrand to drive one of its cars during the upcoming 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season.

"I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to drive for Andretti Green Racing this year in the Firestone Indy Lights," said the 20-year-old native of Sausalito, Calif. "It's quite clear that the team earned their spot at the top of the championship standings last year for a reason. I feel with the experience I gained in 2008 combined with the success the team had that we will be one of the teams to beat next year."

In his first full season in 2008, Hildebrand finished fifth in the Firestone Indy Lights championship, earning his first victory at Kansas Speedway in addition to eight top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

"We are excited to have J.R. join the AFS/AGR Firestone Indy Lights team," said Michael Andretti, Chairman of Andretti Green Racing. "J.R.'s success in the Firestone Indy Lights last season showed us that he has a lot of potential. I think he has the talent to give AFS/AGR another championship in the series. We are looking forward to the 2009 season and having J.R. in the car."

Hildebrand, the 2006 Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 champion, made his series Firestone Indy Lights debut at Infineon Raceway in 2007. He hopes the pairing can add trophies to both his and Andretti Green Racing's trophy case.

"I look forward to working closely with the team in the off-season and think that we will undoubtedly be title contenders right from the start," Hildebrand said.