RACER chooses J.R. Hildebrand as one of America's Hottest Prospects

02.09.2009

J.R. Hildebrand joined such racing names as Andretti, Rahal, Speed, Almendinger, and Logano as one of 12 US stars poised for a breakout year in 2009. Noting that he now "has the experience and car to match his ability," RACER notes that he must achieve at least a top three in the FIL title race, and must target a 2010 IndyCar Series drive.

The article follows:

Talk about great expectations. How else to describe the challenge facing J.R. Hildebrand as he slides into Andretti Green Racing's Firestone Indy Lights seat vacated by 2008 champion Rafael Matos. Ok, he doesn't have to win the '09 FIL crown to keep his career arc on the ascent, but anything less than a serious bid for the title will be a disappointment.

"There's going to be a lot of expectations of anybody who gets in the seat of the guy who previously won the championship," he says. "But I've tested with the guys, hung out at the shop and gotten to know everybody and there's no reason we shouldn't be able to make good on those expectations. The team is very well organized and there is clearly a reason they won the championship."

Just as clearly, there's a reason AGR tabbed Hildebrand to succeed Matos. The young Californian won at Kansas last year and led the FILC points race at midseason after an 11th hour switch from the Atlantic Championship prompted by the Champ Car/Indy Racing League merger. Paired with the defending champions and with the luxury of a full slate of pre-season testing, he needs to take that form to the next level in '09 to reach his goal.

"I'd like to be in the same position next year at this time, except from the standpoint of an Indy car ride," he says. "I want to be in IndyCar in 2010 and I want to have a good ride. Certainly the economy plays a role in that; a lot of things play a role in that, as anybody in racing will tell you. But if I can pull things off next year (2009) and be in basically the same position that Matos was in at the end of the year, then it's reasonable to believe I'll have that opportunity."