Karam joins Schmidt Lights lineup

Sage Karam will graduate to Indy Lights in 2013 after securing a deal with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Karam, who finished third in last year's Star Mazda championship, joins Jack Hawksworth and Gabby Chaves at Schmidt, meaning that the team's lineup now includes all of the top three Star (now Pro) Mazda point scorers from 2012.

"One of the most exciting things I am looking forward to this year is working with proven and talented teammates in Jack and Gabby," Karam said. "I feel both of these guys will push my driving to the next level and I believe we will feed off each other's progress. Hopefully we'll all bring something to the table each race weekend."

The 17-year-old Pennsylvanian tested with Schmidt for the first time at Sebring on Thursday, and team owner Sam Schmidt said that he expects his new signing to be on the pace quickly.

"We've been watching Sage throughout the entire Mazda Road to Indy ladder, and he has exceled in both USF2000 and Pro Mazda, so we have high expectations for his first year in Firestone Indy Lights," Schmidt said. "Age is always something to consider, but from what we've seen in Sage's recent racing seasons, he is mature beyond his years in the car. He has knowledge of many of the circuits we'll be racing at this year, so from that standpoint he won't be a pure rookie."