Ernie Francis Jr., who earned nationwide recognition when he gained a race in Tony Stewart’s all-star sequence over the summer season, has been employed to drive in Indy Lights this season as a part of IndyCar’s Race for Equality & Change initiative.
Francis is a Florida native of Haitian descent who has been fast-tracked in IndyCar’s ladder system. The 24-year-old will try to work his means as much as develop into the primary Black driver in America’s prime open-wheel sequence since George Mack in 2002.
“That is an unimaginable alternative,” Francis mentioned in an announcement. “After getting a style final yr and starting to be taught what open-wheel racing is all about, I discovered myself wanting extra. … To know that I am going to proceed my schooling with Drive Indy and [am] just one step away from the IndyCar Collection makes this unbelievably particular. I can not wait to get began.”
Drive Indy is backed by Roger Penske, proprietor of each the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and several other race groups. He has made a push so as to add range to the sequence since taking possession of the landmark observe in 2020. A Crew Penske-backed effort led to Simona de Silvestro racing in final yr’s Indy 500 for an all-female crew.
Francis gained three races final yr in his lone season within the System Regional Americas Championship. He completed second within the general standings within the inaugural season of Stewart’s Famous person Racing Expertise with a breakout win at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
He’s a seven-time class champion within the Trans Am Collection from 2014 by 2020, profitable 47 profession races, probably the most in sequence historical past.
Drive Indy was launched in late 2020 by former racing crew supervisor Rod Reid. The crew was created with a deal with hiring women and men of colour, together with mechanics, engineers, staffers and drivers.
The crew competed final season within the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship with driver Myles Rowe, who gained a race at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
“Having the ability to end our first season with a win confirmed what this crew is able to doing,” Reid mentioned. “We need to thank Myles, who will at all times be a member of the Drive Indy race crew, and can proceed to supply help and mentorship as he pursues one other season in USF2000. I couldn’t be extra thrilled to advertise our group to Indy Lights.”
Crew Penske will proceed to supply mentorship for Drive Indy. The Race for Equality & Change program goals to recruit and develop a various workforce all through all ranges of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I used to be happy to be taught that Ernie could be driving for Drive Indy in 2022,” Penske mentioned. “As somebody who has a historical past in Trans Am, I do know the kind of skillset that comes from that sequence. Ernie will likely be a beautiful addition to Indy Lights.”
Drive Indy will make its Indy Lights debut in St. Petersburg, Florida, throughout IndyCar’s season-opening weekend subsequent month. The crew will proceed to make use of the No. 99 in honor of the late Dewey “Rajo Jack” Gatson, who drove a roadster with that quantity towards the tip of his profession.
Gatson was one of many winningest Black drivers and mechanics in racing however by no means had a possibility to race the Indy 500.
“We stay very lucky to have Crew Penske supply its steerage and mentorship,” Reid mentioned. “I’ve been in and across the sport for 40 years. Drive Indy stays a labor of affection, and our objectives are unchanged — specializing in range with a watch towards competing within the IndyCar Collection, in honor of Rajo Jack, and the Indianapolis 500.”