Harvey: U.S. move revitalized my career

Jack Harvey is targeting a long-term career in the United States after narrowly missing out on the Indy Lights title in his debut season.

The 2012 British Formula 3 champion earned a clean sweep of last weekend's two races at Sonoma to end the season level on points with Gabby Chaves, with the Colombian being crowned champion on a countback of second-places.

Harvey, who raced in GP3 in 2013 before switching to the U.S., said that he found both the standard of competition and the unique racing culture in America appealing, and hopes to remain there with the aim of reaching the IndyCar Series.

"It was a difficult decision in many ways to commit to coming Stateside, but I'm so glad I did," he said. "Not just on the track but off the track – I've really enjoyed my year, and I hope to stay as long as I can.

"I think in Europe I started to lose my enjoyment of driving, and I came out here and definitely found that spark again. If I can stay out here as long as possible, that's what I'll do.

"I like it here; people are friends with each other. In Europe, if you're friends with the guys you race against, it's frowned upon. You don't even talk to the other teams. People here are professional and they want to win, but they enjoy themselves as well."

Harvey rallied into title contention late in the season, with four wins from the last five races, and admitted that his unfamiliarity with the Lights series hurt him early on.

"A bit of inexperience at Indy Lights in the first three races is what cost us. Not being competitive in Long Beach and Barber really hurt," he said.

"If I could go back, they are the two races I'd want to change. And I've never lost a championship due to the number of second places! But Gabby has been the guy to beat all year."