Indianapolis, Ind. - Seven-time Indy Lights championship-winning team Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) announced today that Korean driver Heamin Choi will make his Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires debut in the Indy Lights Grand Prix Presented by Cooper Tires at Mazda Raceway in Laguna Seca.



Thirty-one-year-old Choi is recognized as the first Korean to have raced in the Mazda Road to Indy Series (Pro Mazda, USF2000) and the first Korean driver to have participated in any race held in the U.S. His other achievements include the 2005 BAT Championship (Formula Korea), 2006 Korea GT championship (GT1) and 2013 Super Race GT driver's title. He was also the Samsung Everland scholarship driver from 2003 to 2005.



"I am very excited to participate in the Indy Lights event this weekend since it is my first time in Indy Lights," said Choi. "However, I am quite anxious since I have been racing with the GT car, which is heavier than the open wheel car, for the past two years and now I need to see how I adapt to the Indy Lights car.



"Since I am with one of the best teams, I am less worried about the car setup and race support, which allows me to concentrate on my performance. I understand that other contenders have gained an advantage through competing in the full session, however it is amusing that I have competed with most of the contenders in USF2000 and Pro Mazda.



"Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was my debut track in 2007 for pro racing in the USA so I am up for the challenge in my Indy Lights debut there. My goal for this week is to prepare by utilizing various resources and adapt to Indy Lights as fast as possible and to perform with my best of effort."



SPM team co-owner Sam Schmidt commented, "SPM is pleased with the interest we have received from drivers around the globe for participation in the Indy Lights series. Coming from Korea, Heamin is a perfect example of what we need more of in the series. His primary experience is in Asia in touring cars and other forms of motorsports, so it will be interesting to see him adapt to the new Lights chassis. We also appreciate the collaboration with Dallara, AAS and our own IndyCar team members to make this entry possible."



The Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season wraps up with the double-header weekend at Mazda Raceway. The Grand Prix Presented by Cooper Tires weekend will take place on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.



Additional Indy Lights Driver Quotes:

RC Enerson (No. 7)

"I'm really looking forward to Mazda Raceway. We have had some great results, especially coming off of a win at Mid-Ohio. I think we can put out a great result in both races this weekend and see where that lands us for the championship."



Jack Harvey (No. 42)

"Mazda Raceway is probably one of the most famous racing tracks in the world and it's definitely a bucket-list track for me. I'm feeling very lucky and honored that I finally get the chance to drive on this fantastic circuit. It's a big weekend but I've been in situations like this many times before. I'm confident that we have the ability to return with a championship."



Ethan Ringel (No. 71)

"Honestly, I'm sad that the season is almost over. It feels like it just started a few weeks ago to me. I've enjoyed racing in this series so much and I can't wait to return with some experience behind me. As for the final round this weekend, I'm confident that my car is good and I'll finally be able to use some of the things I've learned for the road courses, so I'm excited to see where we end up."



Scott Anderson (No. 77)

"With Mazda Raceway being the final races of the season, we need to end on a high note. We've had some pretty bad luck the last couple of weekends that hurt us in the points big time, so finishing up front in both races will be vital. Mazda Raceway may be my favorite track, so I'm really excited to end the season there."