Juncos Racing, a veteran squad in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, has expanded its presence in the Mazda Road to Indy program by acquiring the Firestone Indy Lights team of Davey Hamilton Racing.
Davey Hamilton Racing's lead engineer Darrell Soppe will transition into the role of lead engineer for Juncos Racing's Firestone Indy Lights program. Longtime mechanic and crew chief Jimmy Pinkley, will also stay with the new team.
"I have to thank Dr. John Wagner and Davey Hamilton for trusting in Juncos Racing," said team owner Ricardo Juncos, who is eager to grow his team and move up to the next rung on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder. "I really believe in the Mazda Road to Indy program as well the people who are running the program and making it all happen," added Juncos. "Coming from Argentina, it's a really big deal for me and the crew members to move to the racing capital of the U.S. The team is going to benefit from this relocation in so many aspects, so I couldn't be happier.
Davey Hamilton Racing participated in three partial seasons in Indy Lights with Brandon Wagner, son of team principal, Dr. John Wagner, scoring a win at Homestead in 2010. (ABOVE)
"Davey Hamilton and I are very excited about Ricardo's decision to continue the success of our Firestone Indy Lights team," said the senior Wagner. "Additionally, Davey will continue with Brandon's racing career as he pursues his quest to race next year in the IZOD IndyCar Series."
Juncos Racing will also keep a facility in Fort Pierce, Fla., and will continue to field a Star Mazda team next season.