SASKATOON, Saskatchewan – Exclusive Autosport officials have announced that after a hiatus due to COVID-19, it will expand once again next year by making its debut in the top-level Indy Lights program.
Coinciding with the anniversary of its 10th year of competition, the growing operation has acquired two new Dallara IL-15 chassis’ and plans to field two entries next season.
The team was initially set to make its debut in the Indy Lights program in 2020 but, due to the season being canceled, the team made the decision to focus solely on their USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 programs for an extended period. This resulted in the operation’s first Road to Indy team championship, which they claimed in the Indy Pro 2000 division this year.
The team has already signed its first Indy Lights driver for next year. That driver will be announced at a later date.
“We are really excited to get back into the Indy Lights series,” said Michael Duncalfe, Team Principal. “Even though we purchased two used IL15 cars previously, due to COVID, we were only able to use them for private testing. We will enter the 2022 season with two brand-new Dallara IL15 chassis, a very experienced crew, and an incredibly talented driver already signed. We are extremely optimistic about our chances in Indy Lights and will be building from the positive momentum of winning the Indy Pro 2000 Team Championship. We are really looking forward to the 2022 season getting underway.”
The Canadian-owned operation has grown steadily in the last five years, having expanded from their multi-time championship-winning F1600 team in 2017 when they purchased and ran four Tatuus USF-17 cars to debut in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship. Expansion continued in 2018 when they added their Indy Pro 2000 Championship program, and since then, the team has continued to be one of the top running programs to compete within the RTI series, racking up a combined 19 wins, 48 podiums, 16 poles and one team championship.
“IndyCar is pleased to see Exclusive Autosport make the move to Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires,” said Levi Jones, Director of Indy Lights. “Seeing an established team use the Road to Indy platform to expand their reach is tremendous. It is a team with a championship pedigree and a program that will push everyone in the 2022 championship. We look forward to working with Michael and his group as we continue to elevate Indy Lights.”