Hildebrand joins RLR/Andersen Racing
The partnership will reunite the 19-year-old with Dominic and Nicholas Cape, who engineered his championship effort in 2006. "I'm really excited about the opportunity that (team co-owner) Dan Andersen has given me to race at my home track and extremely excited to work with the Capes again," said Hildebrand, who hails from nearby Sausalito, Calif. "We combined for a lot of success in the Formula 2000 series. I think I'll be able to slip right into the team easily."
Hildebrand tested with the RLR/Andersen team at Infineon Aug. 16.Everything went very well, and the Capes and I are very optimistic about our chances with both Andrew (Prendeville) and J.R. at Infineon," team manager John Andersen said.
Hildebrand is no stranger to success. In addition to his championship last season, he won titles in 2004 and 2005. In 2005, he was second overall and Rookie of the Year in the Pacific F2000 Zetec Formula Ford series. He earned the SCCA Formula Russell championship in 2004.
Hildebrand was tabbed for the prestigious Team USA Scholarship program in 2005, finishing third overall in the Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Cup in his first experience racing in Europe.
Earlier this season, Hildebrand drove in the Champ Car Atlantic series, finishing seventh overall. His best finish was second at Cleveland in June.
Hildebrand will drive the No. 15 RLR/Andersen Racing entry, replacing Joey Scarallo, who had two top-10 finishes in 13 starts. Prendeville drives the No. 5 entry in support of Best Friends Animal Society. indycar.com