Francis Jr. to race Indy Lights, eyes spot in IndyCar
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By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
Ernie Francis Jr. has been hired to drive in Indy Lights this season in a move that could promote him into IndyCar as part of the series’ Race for Equality & Change initiative. Francis is a Florida native of Haitian descent who has been fast-tracked in IndyCar’s ladder system. The 24-year-old will attempt to work his way through IndyCar’s feeder program to become the first Black driver in America’s top open-wheel series since George Mack in 2002. He will race for Force Indy, the team backed by Roger Penske that aims to promote diversity in open-wheel racing.Â