By alley - Nov 16, 2016, 1:37 PM ET

LIGHTS: Andersen optimistic despite Schmidt exit

Dan Andersen remains optimistic about the 2017 Indy Lights grid despite the loss of the stalwart Schmidt Peterson team.

Sam Schmidt confirmed yesterday that his multiple championship-winning squad

will withdraw from Lights

to focus its efforts on its IndyCar program. Andersen, whose company Andsersen Promotions runs the Mazda Road to Indy categories, said that he is disappointed by Schmidt's decision, but anticipates team expansions elsewhere in the field will prevent a fall in car count.

"We are sad to learn of this of course, and we appreciate all that Sam has done for Indy Lights over the years," he said.

"I have been out of the country at a MRTI staff retreat, but I have exchanged emails with Sam and completely understand his reasoning. Driver interest remains strong and we are aware of several other teams planning expansions, but nevertheless I never want to lose a team especially one as important as Schmidt Peterson."

Schmidt fielded two full-time entries for Santi Urrutia and Andre Negrao this year, as well as additional cars for RC Enerson (eight rounds), Scott Anderson (six rounds), and Heamin Choi (five rounds).

Schmidt's team won seven titles across the Infinity Pro, Indy Pro and Indy Lights eras, including four in a row between 2010 and 2013 (the latter with Sage Karam, BELOW). Its final race wins came in the form of an Urrutia clean sweep of this year's Mid-Ohio weekend (ABOVE).