Indy Lights - Mike Larrison To Run With Andretti Autosport At Las Vegas

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 9, 2011: Andretti Autosport announced today that Mike Larrison will join its Firestone Indy Lights lineup at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as part of the IZOD IndyCar World Championship weekend on Oct. 16.

Larrison, a native of Avon, Ind., began his racing career in motocross at age four and quickly recorded multiple American Motocross Association championships as he progressed through the various classes. He eventually moved from motocross to karting and won five Midwest karting championships in the span of six years. In 2007 and 2008, Larrison competed in the Indy Karting Series and secured two championships and 14 race wins.

His racing portfolio also contains an USAC regional rookie of the year title. In 2010 Larrison secured a win at Slinger Speedway in Slinger, Wisc., in the Xtreme Sprint Series and captured the series' "Most Improved Driver" award. He currently holds 11th place in driver point standings in the 2011 Xtreme Sprint Series.

Larrison will take his first laps in a Firestone Indy Lights car today while testing with Andretti Autosport at Kentucky Speedway.

Calumet Specialty Products Partners, sponsor of Larrison and the No. 26 Firestone Indy Lights car, is a leading refiner and processor of specialty hydrocarbon products. With offices based in Indianapolis, it operates six plants including operations in Northwest Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and Illinois. Calumet has the most diverse specialty hydrocarbon capability in the world.

For more information, please visit www.AndrettiAutosport.com.

J-F THORMANN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT: "We're excited to bring Mike on board in a Firestone Indy Lights car for Vegas. He's achieved so much in sprint cars, and, with his skills, I'm confident he'll make a smooth transition into the Lights car."

MIKE LARRISON, DRIVER: "I'm really excited to run a Firestone Indy Lights car with Andretti Autosport. Growing up 15 minutes away from the Speedway, it has always been my dream to race in the Indianapolis 500. I'm looking to get my feet wet during testing and get comfortable with the driving style. Hopefully we have a good result in Vegas and the race becomes a stepping stone for next year. Thanks to Michael [Andretti], J-F [Thormann] and my sponsor Calumet for this opportunity."