Pabst Racing Adds Indy Lights Team And Prepares for Two-Car Lights Effort in 2014
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Pabst Racing announced today that they have added Firestone Indy Lights to their team roster and will make their debut with Dalton Kellett at the Grand Prix of Baltimore August 30th-September 1st.
Pabst Racing has been making their mark in the USF2000 series since 1996, and are thrilled to get one step closer to the "big leagues". After 17 years of team ownership, making the step up to Indy Lights is surreal to team owner Augie Pabst.
"As a team, you always dream of moving up the ladder to bigger and better things," said Pabst. "Competing in the Firestone Indy Lights Series has always been on our radar and now that it's finally going to happen, we couldn't be more excited to get rolling."
With full focus on continuing momentum in the USF2000 series, the team and Kellett opted to enter their first Firestone Indy Lights at Baltimore (the only non-conflicting road course event left in 2013). Pabst said that their goal is to lay a strong foundation and focus on experience for Kellett as they prepare to field a two-car team in 2014.
"Our goal is to provide Dalton with a solid and consistent race car that will allow him to progress in his pace and get as much experience as possible."
Nineteen-year-old Canadian driver Kellett will make his debut in the Pabst Racing, K-Line Insulators USA Firestone Indy Lights car during Labor Day weekend. Kellett is currently in his second season of USF2000 and looking forward to the opportunity to take his career to the next level.
"Being able to compete in a Firestone Indy Lights race will be a great addition to my current season with Pabst Racing Services, and I cannot thank them enough for their support," said Kellett. "The opportunity to become accustomed to the Indy Lights car will be very useful moving forward, as I am looking to the series as a possible move in the future."
Kellett is prepared and excited for the new challenges.
"There will be many aspects of the Firestone Indy Lights car that will differ from what I am used to in USF2000. I'm sure the first thing that will become apparent will be the power difference, with roughly 280 additional horsepower. The increase in cornering speed and braking power, from more available downforce, larger tires and larger brakes, should be quite obvious. Driving the Indy Lights car will also pose a challenge physically so I am very happy that I have been working with PitFit Training, utilizing their ePitFit program, to maintain my physical fitness."
Pabst is looking forward to the new chapter as Baltimore quickly approaches and the team is buckled down preparing the new race car in Wisconsin.
"I have to pinch myself when I walk past the car sitting in the shop. I cant wait!"
The Firestone Indy Lights race will be broadcast on NBC Sports on September 1st at 1:00 pm ET.
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About Pabst Racing Services
Pabst Racing has been preparing winning racecars since 1983. The Pabst team was started by Augie Pabst Jr., former sports car racing legend from the 1950s and early 1960s who won many races and championships throughout his career. Current President Augie Pabst III (former driver as well), took over the business in 1991. By 1998 Augie III decided to focus on owning and maintaining a wide variety of winning racecars including SCCA Spec Racer, Shelby Can-Am, 911 Porsche, Ford Mustang GT-1 and primarily Van Diemen Formula 2000 cars. For more information about Pabst Racing, please visit www.PabstRacing.com.