Sam Schmidt Motorsports

CANADIAN, PHILIP MAJOR, JOINS SAM SCHMIDT MOTORSPORTS FOR 2010 FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS

OTTAWA, ON - Canadian racer Philip Major announced today that he has joined Sam Schmidt Motorsports for the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights Championship. Major, who has spent the last two seasons racing in Europe, is excited about racing back on this side of the 'pond'.

"Sam Schmidt Motorsports offered me a program for 2010 that I just couldn't pass up," Major said. "The experience of living and racing in Europe was fantastic, but I feel that the opportunity to join the Firestone Indy Lights Championship and race here, back at home, is the right step in my career."

After completing his second year of racing in Europe, Major carefully weighed his options for 2010. Ultimately it was a test with Sam Schmidt Motorsports that sealed the deal for Major.

"The team is fantastic, and their record speaks for itself," Major said. "The test went really well, and I was impressed with the car."

"Our team had the opportunity to test Philip," team owner Sam Schmidt said. "Clearly, his experience in the UK has given him technical ability and discipline beyond his years. He progressed quickly through our program, and I am confident he will adapt to the car and circuits successfully this season."

Philip Major Fast Facts:

Philip Major is a 21-year-old racer from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Major has spent the last two years in the British Formula 3 Championship. In 2007, Major scored his first podium finish in the Formula BMW USA series with a third in Montreal. He also scored his first pole of the year at Road America. In 2006, Major's first season in single seater racing, he scored three top ten finishes in the Formula BMW USA Championship. In 2005, Major was the youngest (16 years old) driver in the Honda/Michelin Challenge Series, where he was the Vice Champion in the Rookie Standings, and that was also the year he scored his first sedan victory. In 2003-04 Major raced karts in Ottawa, Canada, and competed in the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship. Away from the track, Major enjoys Music, Skiing, Tennis and Mountain Biking.

Philip Major's website is www.majorspeed.com, and you can follow him on Twitter @majorspeed.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports Fast Facts:

Sam Schmidt Motorsports has been the dominating force and all-time win leader of Firestone Indy Lights having won 30 races to date (including one joint victory with Andretti Green Racing in 2006 and four Freedom 100 victories) and three driver championships. The 2010 season kicks off on the streets of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 28, 2010. Coverage of the event will be available on indycar.com. For more information, visit www.samschmidtmotorsports.com.

For more information on Firestone Indy Lights, visit www.firestoneindylights.com.

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