AFS Racing/Andretti Green Racing Firestone Indy Lights Pre-Race Report - Long Beach - April 15, 2009

J.R. Hildebrand Facts:

* Won his first pole postilion of the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season for the first race of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg doubleheader. * Scored a podium finish in Race #1 at the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg doubleheader. * Finished fifth in 2008 Firestone Indy Lights championship.

J.R. Hildebrand on the Grand Prix of Long Beach: "I'm really excited about heading to Long Beach. We had some tough luck at St. Pete but we learned a lot at the same time. We had a great race car in St. Pete so I think we'll be extremely competitive back on the streets in Long Beach. It's an awesome event, there's always a huge crowd, and I can't wait to get back in the AFS/AGR car."

Sebastian Saavedra Facts:

* Achieved the first pole position and first podium finish of his Firestone Indy Lights career with a second-place finish in Race #2 at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. * 18-year old rookie of the year candidate from Bogota, Columbia.

Sebastian Saavedra on the Grand Prix of Long Beach: "I'm really excited to race at Long Beach. There is so much history behind the race. The AFS/AGR car had a great weekend in St. Pete; I was really happy with our results, so I think we are quite prepared going into Long Beach since it's a similar track. I hope to have another successful weekend with my crew and teammate (J.R. Hildebrand)."