Two-time Indy Pro Series race winner Alex Lloyd will drive for double series champion Sam Schmidt Motorsports next season, stepping into the seat formerly occupied by countryman and 2006 champion Jay Howard. source: crash.net The Briton, who turns 22 next month, made a late start to his 2006 campaign after plans to race in Europe fell apart, but made an immediate impact on the Pro Series, winning two races and recording six top-five finishes in nine starts with AFS Racing. Despite not having as many outings as most of his rivals after missing three rounds during the season, Lloyd finished seventh in the point standings, making him a target for several leading operations. "Obviously, we are extremely pleased to announce that Alex will be competing with our team for the full season," team owner Schmidt said, "Observing him throughout 2006, I know that he has the talent to compete for wins and the championship. He is also a quality individual and I know our team will enjoy working with him next year." Lloyd qualified on the front row for his IPS debut on the streets of St Petersburg, and claimed his maiden podium in the second race of the double-header. The 2003 McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award winner went on to take victories on the Indianapolis road course and at Infineon Raceway, but admits that the move to Schmidt's team presents him with a chance of greater success. "The team has won two of the past three driver championships in the Indy Pro Series, and is the most successful team in series history," he noted, "For me to be a part of this organisation is fantastic and a great opportunity. Everyone within the team is very professional and easy to get on with, so I am sure we are going to have a lot of fun and a lot of success. "Our expectations for the year are simply to win the championship. Last year, I was able to win two races from the nine that I competed in and, this season, I will be in the championship-winning car. All the elements are in place for a very successful year and I can't wait to begin work."
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