Ernie Francis Jr., who earned national recognition for winning a race in Tony Stewart’s all-star series over the summer, has been hired to drive in this season’s Indy Lights as part of the morning. IndyCar’s Race for Equality & Change.
Francis is a Haitian native from Florida who was fast tracked in the IndyCar ladder system. The 24-year-old will strive to become the first black racer in America’s premier open-wheel drive series since George Mack in 2002.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” Francis said in a statement. “After trying it out last year and starting to learn what open wheel racing is all about, I found myself wanting more. … To know that I would continue my education with Force Indy and [am] just one step away from the IndyCar Series that makes this incredibly special. I can’t wait to get started. “
Force Indy is backed by Roger Penske, owner of both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and several racing teams. He’s been pushing to add variety to the series since taking ownership of the landmark track in 2020. An effort backed by Team Penske has resulted. Simona de Silvestro race at the Indy 500 last year for an all-female team.
Francis won three races last year in his only season in the Americas Regional Formula One Championship. He finished second in the overall standings in the inaugural season of Stewart’s Superstar Racing Experience with a breakout win at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
He’s a seven-time Trans Am Series champion from 2014 to 2020, winning 47 career races, the most in film history.
Force Indy was launched in late 2020 by former racing team manager Rod Reid. The group was founded with a focus on recruiting men and women of color, including mechanics, engineers, employees, and drivers.
The team competed last season in the USF2000 Cooper Tires Championship against driver Myles Rowe, who won the race at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
“Being able to end our first season with a win shows what this team can do,” said Reid. “We want to thank Myles, who will always be a member of the Force Indy racing team, and will continue to support and mentor him as he pursues another season in USF2000. I couldn’t be more excited to promote our team to Indy Lights.”
Team Penske will continue to advise Force Indy. The Race for Equality & Change program aims to recruit and develop a diverse workforce at all levels of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’m delighted to hear that Ernie will be driving for Force Indy in 2022,” Penske said. “As someone with a history in Trans Am, I know the kind of skill that comes out of that series. Ernie would be a great addition to Indy Lights.”
Force Indy will debut Indy Lights in St.Petersburg, Florida, on IndyCar’s season-opening weekend next month. The team will continue to use the number 99 in honor of the late Dewey “Rajo Jack” Gatson, who drove a roadster with that number towards the end of his career.
Gatson was one of those Black racers and mechanics who won the race but never had a chance to race the Indy 500.
“We are still very fortunate to have the guidance and mentorship of Team Penske,” Reid said. “I’ve been involved in and around the sport for 40 years. Force Indy remains a love of work and our goals have remained the same – focusing on diversity with a focus on competing in the IndyCar Series. , in honor of Rajo Jack and the Indianapolis 500.”
