Guy Smith replaces Gidley

Smith, winner of last year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Bentley, raced in the Indy Lights Series in America for two years before moving to sportscars. He will make his first Champ Car start at Road America, one of the most testing circuits on the schedule, and replaces Memo Gidley as Alex Tagliani's team-mate.

"This has been a long time coming so I'm over the moon about the opportunity Rocketsports Racing has given me," said Smith. "I did Indy Lights a few years ago with the intention to move up the ladder but at the time the openings weren't there. I fell into sportscars and had a fantastic few years, not least with the win at Le Mans.

"That win though also served to fire me up again as I had reached the pinnacle of sportscar racing so it was time for a new challenge. It feels great to do something new and, although I know it will be tough in such a competitive series, I can't wait to get stuck in."

Rocketsports chief Paul Gentilozzi, who is also a co-owner of the series, said: "I'm happy to welcome Guy Smith to the Rocketsports team to drive the No.17 car. I was impressed when I first met Guy in the 2002 Daytona 24 Hours, where he finished second overall. He earned his first Le Mans 24 Hours win in 2003, and I watched as he finished on the podium in Le Mans again this year.

"Guy has demonstrated his stamina and skill as a driver in diverse categories and series. He's fast and has started from pole many times in his career. He produced competitive results in the Indy Lights Championship, where he won Rookie of the Year [in 1998] and was recognised and invited to test Champ Cars in 1999. He'll have a solid, dedicated crew behind him and we're excited to have him join us at Road America."