By Dave Lewandowski - Indycar.com

Monday, August 29, 2009

Hildebrand, of Sausalito, Calif., finished fifth to wrap up the series title in the penultimate race. The Firestone Indy Lights closes the books Oct. 9 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"My strategy was not to crash," said Hildebrand, who entered the race needing to finish 14th. It's just a dream come true. I came into this year with Andretti Green Racing knowing I had every opportunity to make this happen. It feels great to bring it home to the boys and bring everything back together after the last few years. Hopefully, we can take this (championship) and move forward for next year."

Hildebrand, who has four victories and 10 top-five finishes in 14 races, is closing out his second full season in the series.  His AFS Racing/Andretti Green Racing teammate and closest pursuer for the title, Sebastian Saavedra, finished sixth and Charlie Kimball was seventh in the No. 35 Palm Beach International Raceway car.