Stephen Simpson Plans Return to Indy Lights in 2010 with Team Moore Racing

Story posted - Nov 02 2009 1:37 PM

Stephen Simpson Plans Return to Indy Lights in 2010 with Team Moore Racing

Pittsboro, IN October 30, 2009 – Team Moore Racing is pleased to announce driver Stephen Simpson's plan to return to the Indy Lights series in 2010 with the team. On October 29th the team enjoyed a successful test with Stephen at Putnam Park Road Course.

The South African is very familiar with TMR, as he was a teammate of Jonathan Klein and TMR co-owner Tom Wood in 2007. This was the team's first year when co-owner Mark Moore was pulling double duty as team co-owner for TMR and team manager for Kenn Hardley Racing. Simpson drove the #24 Hardley car and logged five top 5 finishes. Topping his season in an impressive qualifying shoot out with Alex Lloyd for pole at Mid-Ohio, Simpson would come home 3rd. Throughout the '07 season, Simpson proved his outright speed and ability to compete at the very top level of motorsports, finishing 9th in the series points championship in his rookie year.

Stephen found an excellent opportunity in an LMP1 car and had a successful season in 2008 competing in the ALMS in two races and also in the European LMS.

The 2009 season unfortunately had Stephen on the sidelines, like many drivers without sponsorship in a faltering economy. But, Stephen was never completely away from Indy Lights as he was TMR's guest at many race events this year. This close relationship has allowed Stephen to remain in the loop with the team's philosophy and development.

"Stephen did a great job for us in the car and never put a wheel wrong all day. Tom and I look forward to competing with him in 2010. It is really great when you have a driver of Stephen's caliber and knowledge of our series to collaborate with," noted co-owner Mark Moore.

"I want to say a huge thank you to Mark and Tom for this fantastic opportunity to be back in an Indy Lights car. I have always been made to feel very welcome and at home with TMR. I can't believe it has been two years since I've driven one. But after only fifteen laps, I felt completely comfortable in the car," said Simpson.

"The day went extremely well," he continued. "We made some small changes and continued to improve the car and started to build on what I hope is going to be a fantastic 2010 season with the team."

"I will be working extremely hard to get all the sponsorship I can in place to be on the grid in 2010 with TMR," concluded Simpson.

Executive Director for Firestone Indy Lights Roger Bailey said, "We'd be delighted to see the return of Stephen Simpson to our series. He left here with some unfinished business through no fault of his own. I think he is coming back to finish what he left undone. He will be a welcome addition to our list of drivers."

With Simpson's talent and TMR's race preparation, this combination would have to be considered a definite title contender in 2010.

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