J.R. Hildebrand Clinches Firestone Indy Lights Title

Aug 29, 2009
Joliet, Ill. – 2005 Team USA Scholarship winner J.R. Hildebrand this evening continued his inexorable march toward the pinnacle of auto racing by clinching the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Championship crown at Chicagoland Speedway.

A conservative fifth-place finish was enough to ensure the gifted 21-year-old from Sausalito, Calif., cannot by beaten with just one race remaining in the season.

In a happy coincidence, Daniel Herrington’s accomplished victory marked the maiden success for the Bryan Herta Autosport team in its first season of competition. Herta, who was awarded a Team USA Scholarship in 1991, went on to win the 1993 Firestone Indy Lights Championship en route to a successful career in the sport.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Hildebrand. “I owe so much of it to the team. Everyone has done a great job all season long, the car has been fast everywhere we go, and we were able to capitalize on the opportunity. I’m so excited for everyone. It will be great to have this long break before the last race and not have to have such a load on all of our shoulders!”