Alon Day is ready to take his place in the history books after signing for Belardi Auto Racing to race in the 2012 Indy Lites series.

Day, who is 20 and from Ashdod, will become the first Israeli to compete in America. He will compete on the Firestone Indy Lights roster for the season in 13 races across the US and Canada.

Day said: "I had a great test in December. I'm absolutely delighted and looking forward to working with everyone at Belardi and will try to bring them the championship."

Brian Belardi, the team owner, said: "Alon really blew us away when he came down to test with us at Palm Beach in December.

"His very first time in an Indy Lights car could not have gone better and we are very lucky to have him join our program.

"I think with Alon's natural talent and determination, he will have a really great season as a rookie in the Firestone Indy Lights series."

Day, who is sponsored by the Jewish Racing Drivers Association, was selected by ex-Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz as one of 12 FIA Ambassadors as part of the FIA Institute Academy Initiative last year.

He will carry the JRDA logo on his new Belardi car. Day said: "It acts as a visible reminder to our community everywhere that anyone with enough ambition and drive can achieve anything."