INDYCAR: Stoneman set on move up from Lights

Dean Stoneman knows the story of an Indy Lights driver searching for money to make it in IndyCar is nothing new, but the rest of the Briton's views on where his career should head differs from the norm.

An impressive debut in America with Andretti Autosport produced two wins and seven podiums for the immensely confident 26-year-old, and with a few of his rivals expected to land in IndyCar next season, he would become an instant title favorite if he returned to Lights. For a driver accustomed to overcoming long odds in his personal life, spending another year on the top tier of the Mazda Road to Indy would give Stoneman a much easier shot at capturing the championship and the $1 million graduation prize for IndyCar, but his mind is set: It's IndyCar or bust in 2017.

"Overall, this year in Indy Lights, it was a good season, we had some highs and lows, we showed we could mix it up on ovals and won the Freedom 100 and on the [IMS] road course, but I wouldn't go back to Indy Lights," the 26-year-old told RACER. "After the season we had, I've proved my speed in Indy Lights – I've come to America, proved the American route is the right way from where I came from, and we're only looking at IndyCar."

After almost making it to Formula 1, Stoneman says he's become enchanted with American open-wheel racing and all that comes with competing in North America.

"The living and traveling is really nice, and it's where I want to stay," he added. "It comes down to budget as always, and there are a couple of doors that could be opened if we find the budget."

"We're in the same position," Stoneman said. "There are some talented drivers out there who don't have the money to get a seat, and there are some drivers with medium talent who can pay for it. I was so lucky to have Bob Stellrecht sponsoring us in Lights and he made it all possible and you quickly realize how much harder it is to put the kind of money together teams are asking for in IndyCar. I don't see it as something that comes easy for most of us."

Stoneman says a switch to sports cars would be another consideration if his open-wheel ambitions fail to materialize, but with his focus set on IndyCar, it's only a fallback position at this moment.

"I'm giving IndyCar everything I have to be there next year, and if it doesn't work out, maybe it's time to drive LMP2s or GTs in America," he admitted. "I've done sports cars before, so that's always there, but I'm dead set on making it to IndyCar. Anything else I'd do would be a direct result of what happens for me there."