By alley - Sep 13, 2017, 11:52 AM ET

Stoneman making IndyCar push

Former Andretti Autosport Indy Lights driver Dean Stoneman is pursuing a budget to make his Verizon IndyCar Series debut next season.

"My aim has always been to get to IndyCar, and I've been searching for ways to make it happen," he told RACER. "I've got a good support team behind me, and we've lined up meetings with potential sponsors to discuss how we can get together and go to IndyCar."

The edgy Briton came to America in 2016 after building an impressive open-wheel résumé in Europe, which included winning the 2010 FIA Formula 2 championship. Stoneman would go on to sweep the month of May, winning on the Indy GP road course and the Freedom 100 on the IMS oval on the way the finishing fifth in the championship.

Lacking the funds to graduate to IndyCar, the 27-year-old returned to Europe at the end of the year to accept a factory GT drive from McLaren in the Blancpain Endurance Series that proved to be an ill-fitting venture. Left to plot his next move with manager Allan McNish, Stoneman says getting back to America is his top priority.

"I didn't want to leave in the first place, but we followed the opportunity that presented itself," he added. "Allan and I are looking to come over and meet with team owners to see what's possible for next year."