Indy Lights Star of Tomorrow (wk 1): Arie Luyendyk Jr.

Kicking off our Firestone Indy Lights Star of Tomorrow series is he Netherland's Arie Luyendyk Jr. Currently contesting his forth season in the Indy Lights Series with with Andretti Green Racing, Luyendyk Jr. managed to stay out of trouble at this weekend's attrition filled Kansas Lottery 100, landing the 3rd spot on the podium and 5th overall in the driver's standings.

Who is Arie Luyendyk Jr?

“I’m the son of Arie Luyendyk, two time Indy 500 winner. I was born in The Netherlands, but moved to the States when I was three years old. I live right now in Phoenix, AZ. Besides Indy Lights, I also raced in the A1GP Series as 'rookie driver’ for A1GP Team The Netherlands.”

What ladder did you climb to the Indy Lights?

“Like most other drivers I started racing in go-karts and I started my motorsports career in the Dutch Formula Ford 1800. After the Dutch Formula Ford 1800, I moved back to America to drive in the Southern Pacific Formula Ford 2000 and won the championship. This year will mark my fourth full season in the Indy Lights and scored in 2002 a second place in the championship and in 2004 I ended as third in the standings.”

What is your goal in motorsports?

“For the short term I hope to win the Indy Lights championship this season. In 2009 I hope to make the step to the IndyCar Series. I have some sponsors and good results in the Indy Lights would only help me find more to secure a ride. I’d also like to return later this year to A1GP and hopefully I can do some races next year.

Who do you see as example for your career?

“That should obviously be my father!”

How would you define your driving style?

“At times I can be aggressive, especially at the road and street courses. I’ve also learned to be patient, which is especially important on the ovals.”

How are you different than other drivers?

“I guess that the biggest difference my experience is. I’ve been racing on ovals for years, while others drove their first oval races this season at Homestead.”

What do you do when you’re not racing?

“I always like to do snow boarding, although I wasn’t able to do that last winter because of the intensive A1GP schedule. I also train a lot to stay in shape, like to run and to hike, things you can do very good in Arizona.”

If you would fit your life in one theme song, which one would it be?

(after one minute of thinking) “What about 'On the road again’ from Metalica? I’m always travelling and am never home.”