The Original Indy Lights Series was sanctioned by CART. It ran from 1986 until 1990 as the American Racing Series and then re-named the Dayton Indy Lights Series that ran from 1991 to 2001.
The early cars were modified F3000 cars, but Lola introduced the T97/20 specifically for the series in 1997. The engine used from the beginning to the end of the series was the 425hp, normally aspirated Buick V6.
After the series ended in 2001, most of these cars were sold to private owners who are now actively racing them on the vintage circuit.
This picture was taken at the Detroit Lights race in 2000 by Mark Windecker. Scott Dixon in the #17 Invensys car finished 4th and Townsend Bell in the #1 DirecPC car finished 7th. For more great historical pictures of these cars, go to website: http://www.mwphoto.smugmug.com/Cars/ARSINDY-LIGHTS . There are also great pictures for viewing at http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13810/Lola-T97/20.aspx
2010 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
|
Race 1 & 2 |
Enduro 1 |
May 14-16 |
Road America |
SVRA |
|
Race 3 & 4 |
Enduro 2 |
June 4-6 |
VIR Gold Cup |
SVRA |
|
Race 5 & 6 |
|
June 25-27 |
Mid- Ohio |
SVRA |
|
Race 7 & 8 |
|
Sept 10-12 |
Watkins Glen |
SVRA |
|
Race 9 & 10 |
Enduro 3 |
Oct 15-17 |
Road Atlanta |
SVRA |
News Flash 6/6/2010
The first two events of the year have successfully concluded with large grids, great competition, and interesting strategies in the chase for championship points.
At Elkhart Lake, David Porter finished third in both sprint races but won the enduro and finished first in points for the event. Mark Brannon won the first sprint race and Travis Engen won the second. Points leaders following the event were David Porter - 1st, Mark Brannon - 2nd and Marc Giroux - 3rd.
At VIR, the enduro had a very dramatic finish with Travis Engen edging out David Porter by a nose. Weather played a major role as a rain shower dumped water on the northwest side of the track while the remaining part stayed dry. Travis Engen opted to stay out on slicks, while David Porter switched to rains. Both strategies proved correct as they finished within a few feet of each other with Travis taking the win. David Porter won the first sprint race and Shelby Mershon won the second.
Points Positions following the first two events are:
1. David Porter 118
2. Marc Giroux 89
2. Travis Engen 89
3. Shelby Mershon 88
4. Mark Brannon 52
5. David Sugg 41
6. Harin de Silva 40
7. Dan Mershon 23
8. Cecil Boyd 20
9. Ted Voruz 16
See the Points Standings page for more details
