Indycar scholarship, $700k prize money for Indy Lights

The 2022 Indy Lights champion will receive an Indycar scholarship, with $700,000 USD in prize money to be divided per race.

The final step on the Road To Indy ladder gets underway this weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, the first weekend under the new management of Indycar.

Australian Matt Brabham returns to the Indycar paddock with Andretti Autosport alongside Kiwi Hunter McElrea.

The fifteen-car grid of full-time drivers is the largest grid for the Indy Lights series in 13 years.

"We are proud of the way things have come together as we approach the season opener," said Levi Jones, director of Indy Lights.

"This initial period of integration is only the start as we continue to evolve."

"Meanwhile, the competition on the track will be as thrilling as ever as the future look of the Indycar Series will take shape."

The top three finishers in the championship will be eligible for a combine-style test with Indycar teams, while the champion will receive a scholarship for the 2023 NTT Indycar Series.

A total prize pool of $700,000 USD ($964,000 AUD) will be awarded per-race over the 14-race season.