Notes: Phinny returns to series at Toronto

By indycar.com staff | Published: Jul 11, 2014

Ryan Phinny

Ryan Phinny, who competed in the 2011 Indy Lights race at Long Beach, will drive the No. 28 BHA/JMM with Curb-Agajanian car in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires races at Toronto, Mid-Ohio and Sonoma Raceway.

The race on the streets of Exhibition Place in Toronto is July 20 in support of the Honda Indy Toronto.

Phinny, 24, of Califormia, raced in Formula BMW and Star Mazda along with the Rolex Sports Car Series and the American Le Mans Series.

"I'm excited to get things going," said Phinny, whose entry will have primary sponsorship from George Clooney's Casamigos Tequila brand. "I love the Toronto track, I've always had good runs at Mid-Ohio, and finishing out the season in California is the best yet. I know the BHA team well and I've known (team co-owner) Bryan Herta for years. I couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity and Bryan's continued faith in my driving. This is an ideal scenario for me."

Herta said he looking at "building on that program for the future."

MRTI connects with Australia Formula Ford Association

The Australia Formula Ford Association, the representative body for Formula Ford racing in that country, has become an Official Partner of the Mazda Road to Indy through 2016.

The first level of the ladder series -- the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda -- will be promoted as an endorsed progression path for Australian drivers pursuing international careers in motorsports.

Established in 1969, the FFA manages the National Formula Ford series -- the highest level of racing for junior drivers. The champion of the six-round series, which culminates on Nov. 29-30 at the Phillip Island circuit, will be awarded a two-day test in USF2000 as well as a financial incentive to contest the full series calendar in 2015.

Matthew Brabham of Andretti Autosport is currently the most successful Mazda Road to Indy driver to come out of Australian Formula Ford. Other notable graduates include Verizon IndyCar Series points leader Will Power and former Formula One and current FIA World Endurance Championship driver Mark Webber.