Hemelgarn returns to IRL

Dana and Hemelgarn Racing had been rumoured to be making the switch after taking part in last month's Homestead test, but the move has now been made official after the team secured major sponsorship backing.

Dana, a race winner en route to runner-up spot in the Infiniti Pro Series for Hemelgarn Racing, said: "It's a dream come true. The 2000 championship that they won [with Buddy Lazier] seems like a long time ago, but a lot of the same guys are in the shop.

"They remember what it's like to win, and they're hungry to do so again. I like being surrounded by people who are hungry and motivated, and the Hemelgarn guys definitely are."

Team boss Ron Hemelgarn is confident that with a four-year sponsorship package from the ethanol industry behind him that his outfit's long-term future in the IRL is secure.

"I take pride in being one of the sort of founding fathers of the IRL," he said. "I'm very pleased and honoured to carry that on."