Faulkner opts for Indy Lights over F3000

The 24-year-old from Donegal could have taken a fully-funded F3000 drive, plus a management contract with Jonathan Palmer, but instead choose to take the £100,000 cash prize instead. He will be part of a three-car team, alongside last year's series runner-up and rookie of the year Townsend Bell and Barber Dodge Pro Series runner-up Jon Fogarty.

"I have always said that I want to win races and challenge for a championship when I step up to the next level in 2001," said Faulkner. "I had an option in F3000 but as soon as I arrived at the Dorricott workshop and tested the car the decision was easy. I enjoyed testing both types of cars this off-season but in the end I felt that driving for Dorricott Racing in Indy Lights would provide the best career advancing opportunities. I obviously have much to learn with all the circuits being new to me, but the superspeedways will be undeniably interesting."

"I've had an excellent training school in FPA and I thank Mr. Palmer for that. Now I am looking forward to winter testing in the California sunshine. My experience on this side of the Atlantic has been superb so far but the real exams begin in March. I'll work hard to be ready but I can't wait."

Palmer said: "Damien is a special talent and I am fully supportive of his decision to opt for Indy Lights, which has proved an excellent feeder series for CART. With Justin Wilson in the Coca-Cola Nordic team in F3000, we will now have two FPA champions running at the front of top series each side of the Atlantic."