Anders Krohn move up Indy ladder to Lights
"Anders Krohn is the kind of driver that inspires team owners, engineers and mechanics to bring their very best to the racetrack," team owner Brian Belardi said. "As an owner, I know that I will get 110 percent and then some from Anders and could not be more pleased to have him on board at Belardi Auto Racing for the 2011 season. We look forward to working with Anders and all of his sponsors in the pursuit of many trips to victory circle."
Krohn made his Firestone Indy Lights debut at Watkins Glen, running among the top five before falling to 10th due to a mechanical issue. The 23-year-old native of Norway is a clear example of a driver groomed by the Mazda Road to Indy ladder. Arriving in the U.S. as an unknown, Krohn won the F2000 Championship series in 2008 with Andersen Racing and raced in Star Mazda for 2009-'10 with Mundill and Andersen Racing. He finished second in Star Mazda points.
"I am now just one step away from the IZOD IndyCar Series. Moving up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder has been such a great experience," said Krohn. "It's a ladder that has already benefited quite a few, and in the future it will be essential in continuing to feed the very best drivers into what I think is the best racing series in the world. IndyCar and all the sanctioning bodies and sponsors on the ladder, like Mazda and Firestone, have done a tremendous job with supporting their up-and-coming talents, and I am so proud not only to be part of Belardi Auto Racing, but also to be one of the future faces of IndyCar.
Krohn will be reunited with Larry Nash, IndyCar veteran and Belardi general manager and technical director who engineered and called the race for Krohn's first run at an oval, winning at the Milwaukee Mile in Star Mazda in 2009. Krohn will be surrounded by familiar faces as Mike Reggio his engineer from Star Mazda (2010) and Chuck Lessick, his chief mechanic from his championship season in the F2000 Championship Series have also joined the team.
"It is an absolute honor to be part of Belardi Auto Racing as they step into Firestone Indy Lights," Krohn said. "I know what these guys are capable of, having already worked and established relationships with several guys on the team. To me, it's not like I'm coming into a new team. Brian Belardi has put a lot of faith in me, and I intend to repay that faith with results."