8Star Motorsports team manager Gary Neal said that the team's expansion to include the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires in 2015 offers prospective drivers a viable alternative to GP2 or World Series by Renault.

“Formula One is such an unachievable dream for so many these days, whereas IndyCars is much more achievable in terms of budget and opportunity. The new Indy Lights program offers drivers a real shot at the big time and a sustainable career,” Neal said.

The Florida-based team announced Aug. 11 that it will field a team in Indy Lights to complement its successful sports car program. On Aug. 10 at Road America, the No. 25 Prototype Challenge entry co-driven by Luis Diaz and Sean Rayhall finished second in class.

Team owner Enzo Potilicchio said it is a "natural step" for 8Star Motorsports to invest in the new Indy Lights car and offer a path to the Verizon IndyCar Series.

"With the new Indy Lights cars coming for 2015, this is a perfect time for us to take up the challenge," he said. "We will be searching for young drivers focused on the road to the IndyCar Series and will be looking for drivers from both Europe and Asia who are wanting to build a career in the USA, as well as providing opportunities for North and South American racers to familiarize themselves with the Indy ladder. Of course, it goes without saying that 8Star will provide a completive package for talented drivers wherever the come from.”

The Dallara IL-15 made its on-track debut last week at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Tristan Vautier, the 2012 series champion and 2013 Verizon IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year, will drive again this week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

With three races left in the season, Gabby Chaves of Belardi Auto Racing holds an 18-point lead over Jack Harvey of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports with Curb-Agajanian in the championship standings. Drivers will compete Aug. 17 at the Milwaukee Mile and close the season Aug. 23-24 with a doubleheader at Sonoma Raceway.