Bryan Herta Autosport open to return to Indy Lights

Speaking on a conference call Wednesday, Bryan Herta admitted that he would be open to fielding a car in the revitalized Indy Lights series.

"From a team standpoint I think we are very open to coming back. We started our team in Indy Lights, we wouldn't be here without it," Herta said. 

"I think the car is a huge new plus for the series. From our standpoint, we thought we had to take a step back from it so we could focus on IndyCar this season."

New Bryan Herta Autosport driver Gabby Chaves said he is excited to see the series he graduated with honors from grow.

Indy Lights on the rise

"I am very happy with what is happening with Indy Lights and the new car. That is something the series needed. It is attracting a lot of attention, new teams from overseas, drivers who have driven F1 before who are coming over to do Indy Lights," Chaves said.

The Indy Lights series is the last rung in a group of feeder North American open-wheel series known as the Mazda Road to Indy. The Indy Light's champion each year is awarded a $1 million scholarship to help with the next step of their career. 

A million reasons to sign a driver

Chaves, who claimed that prize last season, says bringing money to the deal definitely helps create opportunities.

"The scholarship prize almost makes the deal happen sometimes," Chaves said. "It's great that they are giving the champion a head start into their Indycar career. Without the scholarship it would be very hard to make a deal happen anywhere. I am grateful that program exists."