For the first time since its inaugural season in 2005, Vision Racing will field a full-time Firestone Indy Lights entry. James Davison returns to the series as driver of the No. 21 car for his second season and the team’s second go-around in Firestone Indy Lights competition, adding to the team’s technical partnership with Firestone Indy Lights newcomer Bryan Herta Autosport that was announced last month. Both teams will operate out of Vision Racing’s 32,000 square-foot facility in Indianapolis.
“The challenge of the 2009 season has created some new opportunities at Vision Racing,” said team co-owner Tony George. “While we continue to pursue a second entry for our IndyCar Series program, we are planning to take full advantage of our relationship with Bryan Herta and Bryan Herta Autosport. I have always been a proponent of supporting the development of Firestone Indy Lights and in particular young drivers. Bryan and I share a desire to establish his program on a firm footing, and Vision working with BHA will help accelerate the results we are all looking to achieve.
“I watch with interest most every Firestone Indy Lights race and think that the combination of James and (BHA’s) Daniel (Herrington), working together with the teams that are being assembled, should prove formidable. I look forward to sharing more detail around our plans as they develop.”
“Bryan Herta Autosport welcomes the news of Vision Racing’s Indy Lights entry,” Herta said. “This move will further strengthen the relationship between Vision and BHA as it will provide both entries with all the competitive benefits associated with a two-car operation. James Davison has already spent some time with us at our shake down test two weeks ago at Firebird (Phoenix), so I know he will be a great compliment to Daniel Herrington and the groundwork we have already laid for our Indy Lights assault.”
Davison is coming off a rookie season that produced one win (Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course), one pole (Nashville Superspeedway), a second place finish (Kentucky Speedway), three top-five drives, five top-10 finishes and 34 laps led in 15 starts with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
“I am very excited to join Vision Racing as their Firestone Indy Lights driver in partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport,” said Davison, 22. “It was apparent last season that the teams aligned with IndyCar Series operations showed significant benefits, especially with regards to car speed. The series really went to another level. Although some good results were secured in my rookie season, I was disappointed last year as I felt there were too many that got away while running up front. I feel very fortunate to be working with Lee Dykstra and Bryan Herta that combined with the resources at Vision Racing, we are out to feature at the forefront come St. Petersburg and Long Beach.”
Vision Racing has made 23 starts in Firestone Indy Lights, all in 2005, with four drivers. The team’s best result was a second-place finish with Nick Bussell.
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