Team Pelfrey absorbs 8Star, expands into Indy Lights

Team Pelfrey, which took Santiago Urrutia to the Pro Mazda championship title this season, announced Monday that it has acquired all of the assets of 8Star Motorsports, including its Indy Lights team and will expand the program to two cars for 2016. With the acquisition, Team Pelfrey becomes the only team to currently operate in all stages of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, as well as the F1600 Formula F Championship Series.

With the addition, Team Pelfrey becomes the largest operating open-wheel development team in North America and one of the largest in the world.

"After watching the development and success of our F1600, USF2000 and Pro Mazda teams this season, I decided Team Pelfrey should take the next step," said Dale Pelfrey. "Rather than start from ground zero, we researched the market and quickly realized that absorbing the great people and resources at 8Star Motorsports was the best way possible to enter Indy Lights with Team Pelfrey. We will be entering the 2016 season with an already proven race winning package and cannot wait to get started."

Gary Neal will continue as team manager for the Team Pelfrey Indy Lights team, and the current 8Star crew will continue to operate the Indy Lights team out of its Pompano Beach, Fla. shop.

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to build the Indy Lights team with Team Pelfrey," says Neal. "Since my Engineer, Yves Touron, and mechanics are staying in place with the new team I am sure we will be a contender for the Indy Lights Championship in 2016. It is a pleasure to work with such a passionate team owner as Dale Pelfrey."