The Third Annual Mazda Road to Indy Summit is quickly becoming a favorite Thursday tradition among aspiring IZOD IndyCar Series drivers. The summit, hosted by Mazda and INDYCAR, brings together Firestone Indy Lights, the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda to encourage drivers to become more career-minded as they make their way up the ladder system.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said Firestone Indy Lights driver Gabby Chaves. "It's really cool that Mazda's hosting this event for us to where we can learn not only a bit more about our driving side of our job, but also about the business side and media skills. It's really good that we can keep learning about these aspects of racing."

The event started with a Media 101 session with new drivers to the Mazda Road to Indy before being joined by the veterans for more advanced training. Following that, John Doonan and Dean Case of Mazda Motorsports taught the drivers marketing skills to keep in mind as they seek potential sponsors to support their budding careers.

Also joining the summit was 2010 Firestone Indy Lights runner-up James Hinchcliffe and 2012 champion Tristan Vautier, who spoke to the drivers personally about what it takes to make it to the top.

"I think hearing from drivers like James and Tristan gives us good insight," said Mazda Road to Indy veteran Sage Karam. "They've been along the road and now they're in the IZOD IndyCar Series. I'm sure they've made some of the same mistakes that we've made and it's cool to just learn from them so we can try to avoid some of those mistakes.

"Seeing them now in the IZOD IndyCar Series and knowing that I've raced against Tristan in Pro Mazda, it's a pretty cool feeling. He got there for a reason on and off the track. I look forward to watching him this year, and I have to say he's probably my favorite IZOD IndyCar Series driver."