Exclusive Autosport Expands to Indy Lights in 2020

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

MONTEREY, California – There’s a new Indy Lights team in town and it’s the prestigious squad out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada known as Exclusive Autosport.

The successful developmental team announced Saturday at WeatherTech Laguna Seca that they’ll be running in three Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires (USF2000, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights) divisions in 2020.

Their expansion into Lights was possible after acquiring a Dallara IL-15 chassis and their new red and white livery will debut at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 19-20.

Michael Duncalfe, Team Principal of Exclusive Autosport, said it’s a dream come true expanding to Indy Lights which meant more entries will be on next season’s grid.

“When I started Exclusive Autosport in 2013, competing in the Road to Indy was always the goal,” Duncalfe said. “However it seemed like a distant reality. To be sitting here, announcing that we are expanding to Indy Lights and have a four-tiered ladder system after seven years of compeition, is one of the proudest moments of my career.

“This transition is a natural fit for the Exclusive Autosport program. Dan Andersen and the entire Road to Indy organization have been incredible to work with from day one. They have been very supportive of our efforts. We are thrilled to be a part of it.

“I want to thank my wife and children for all of their support and my incredible crew led by Miri Swan. We are looking forward to what 2020 will bring.”

Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions, commented that he’s excited of welcoming them to Indy Lights, knowing Duncalfe’s passion of growing his race team that he hopes it may lead to someday becoming an NTT IndyCar Series team.

“Michael parallels our goals in the Road to Indy of providing a complete ladder system for drivers to advance,” Andersen said. “His explanation into Indy Lights now completes this platform for his well-established and highly regarded team. His passion for helping tomorrow’s talent was evident from day one, and we look forward to seeing him and his drivers on our Indy Lights grids next season.”

Exclusive Autosport already have a driver confirmed, but won’t announce who’ll be piloting the car right away. They’ve also commented that a two-car effort is possible.

Since its inception in 2013, they’ve had tremendous success in open wheel competition in North America, notably in the Formula 16000 series in Canada (F1600 Canada/Toyo Tires F1600 Championship) where they have 17 championships, 133 wins, 273 podiums and 118 poles.

Thus far in the Road to Indy program, they have three wins in USF2000 and five Indy Pro 200 victories.