IL: Hall joins RLR/Andersen for Glen.

Current Star Mazda points leader Charles Hall will make his Firestone Indy Lights debut with the RLR/Andersen Racing team, at the Watkins Glen double-header next weekend.

The Briton will join regular pilots Andrew Prendeville and JR Hildebrand as the team expands to three entries for the first time, leasing a car from rival SWE Racing for the occasion. Hall will drive the #77 car, to be sponsored by Allied Interior Products, Blimpie, Pardoes Solicitors and AccentBanking.com, for the first time at a test at the historic circuit on Wednesday.

"The Firestone Indy Lights series is very competitive," Hall noted, "I'm hoping that, if I can have a good showing at Watkins Glen in front of all the IndyCar teams, it could further my career and help get me through a door.

"I'm just happy to be in the car, and I'm really pleased with the opportunity that's been put forward. I'll take my time to see how you can race with the other drivers but, in my mind, the only thing that's changed is that it's a new car for me."

In the three Star Mazda races held so far this year, Hall has achieved a win and two second places, including a victory on 7 June at Watkins Glen, where he led every lap, so the 28-year old will at least be familiar with the circuit ahead of a busy race weekend where both Lights races take place on the same day.

"Charles's goal has always been to move into the Firestone Indy Lights series," Andersen Racing co-owner Dan Andersen stated, "We discussed him doing either the Glen or Infineon as a 'one-off' trial. After his win at the Star Mazda event, he was able to gather some support for that effort, and we agreed to assist some too to make it happen.

"Charles has demonstrated to us that he is extremely talented and experienced, and clearly ready right now for Indy Lights. We looked at various opportunities and, with our team's test this week and Charles' recent win at the Glen, the stars seemed to align to make Watkins Glen the perfect place for his Indy Lights debut this season. We expect him to be competitive immediately."