The team, which competed in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda last year, will seek to make its series debut on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., next month.

“It is extremely exciting to be competing in the Firestone Indy Lights series," said Younessi, the lone owner/driver in the series. "I am thrilled to be back behind the wheel of a race car again and I am looking forward to a great season. I am very pleased with the opportunity and grateful to the series for their support.”

In addition to USF2000, Younessi's racing experience includes sports cars and motorcycles. 

“The decision to move up was very simple. The cars are great to drive and the competition is strong which makes for a thrilling series," said Younessi, a successful entrepreneur and an attorney. “I expect for us to run a very professional team and give it our best and improve as the season moves forward to be as competitive as possible.

“We have been testing at various tracks for the last few months in preparation for the season and I have been on a very strict regimen to be in shape for this physically demanding challenge. Of course competing at this level is not easy and I take this opportunity extremely seriously, hence we have been working diligently during the off-season to create a small pool of talented professionals in order to create a well-balanced team.”

Younessi Racing will participate in the Firestone Indy Lights Open Test on March 7 at Sebring International Raceway.