Pabst Racing will add a Firestone Indy Lights entry and will make its series debut with Dalton Kellett at the Grand Prix of Baltimore, team officials announced Aug. 19.

"As a team, you always dream of moving up the ladder to bigger and better things," said team owner Augie Pabst, who has been a USF2000 entrant since 1996. "Competing in the Firestone Indy Lights has always been on our radar, and now that it's finally going to happen, we couldn't be more excited to get rolling."

With its focus on the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship, Pabst Racing and Kellett opted to enter their first Firestone Indy Lights  RACE at Baltimore, the only non-conflicting road course event left in 2013. Team owner Pabst said that the team's goal is to lay a strong foundation and focus on experience for Kellett as they prepare to field a two-car team in 2014.

"Our goal is to provide Dalton with a solid and consistent race car that will allow him to progress in his pace and get as much experience as possible."

Kellett, a 19 year-old Canadian  who has already competed in both USF2000 and Pro Mazda in 2013, is currently in his second season of USF2000. He will drive the No. 17 Pabst Racing, K-Line Insulators USA Indy Lights car during Labor Day weekend.

"Being able to compete in a Firestone Indy Lights race will be a great addition to my current season with Pabst Racing Services. I cannot thank them enough for their support. The opportunity to become accustomed to the Indy Lights car will be very useful moving forward, as I am looking to the series as a possible move in the future."

Kellett is prepared and excited for the new challenges.

"There will be many aspects of the Firestone Indy Lights car that will differ from what I am used to in USF2000. I'm sure the first thing that will become apparent will be the power difference, with roughly 280 additional horsepower. The increase in cornering speed and braking power, from more available downforce, larger tires, and larger brakes, should be quite obvious. Driving the Indy Lights car will also pose a challenge physically, so I am very happy that I have been working with Pitfit training, utilizing their ePitfit program, to maintain my physical fitness."