IndyCar feeder series Indy Lights gets new management from 2014

The series announced that from next year the series will be licensed and operated by Andersen under a multi-year agreement, bringing control of all three of the junior levels of the Road to Indy categories under the one roof.

"This is a positive move for our sport," said IndyCar president of competition and operations Derrick Walker.

"Indy Lights will be more closely aligned with its developmental series already operated by Andersen Promotions, and will be positioned for growth to continue to meet the goal of preparing up-and-coming race drivers for the rigors of the IndyCar Series."

The series plans to run up to 12 races next year, with the aim of holding 10 rounds in conjunction with IndyCar.

IndyCar personnel will be utilised at shared events, and all rounds will be overseen by the IndyCar race director.

Andersen Promotions CEO and owner Dan Andersen said that he was looking forward to the opportunity to develop the series.

"I am honoured to be given the opportunity to step in and steer the course for the future," he said.

"Our model for operating development programmes appears to be well-received by teams and drivers, and I am fortunate to have a strong staff in place. We believe in the Road to Indy, and are grateful that IndyCar has chosen to continue its support for years to come."

Reigning Indy Lights champion Tristan Vautier, who is now racing in IndyCar with Schmidt Peterson Motorsport, backed the move

"It's a very good thing," he said. "I think Andersen has done an outstanding job in USF2000 and Pro Mazda. These ladder series are the reason America is the place for young drivers to be. I'm happy that it will continue to be the case for Indy Lights."

Indy Lights has a strong record of helping drivers to progress to IndyCar, although the series has struggled for numbers in recent years, with many of this year's races having attracted just eight cars.