Britain's Jay Howard has joined Roth Racing for a full-time programme in next year's IRL IndyCar Series.

Howard, 26, will join team owner Marty Roth as the squad expands to two drivers for the first time, and is delighted to be stepping up to the big league after a season on the sidelines this year.

"To say I'm happy is an understatement," said Howard. "Since the age of seven when I got in a go-kart all I ever wanted to do was be a professional race car driver. It's come true, so it's pretty special for me."

Howard appeared to be on the verge of big things when he claimed the 2006 Indy Pro Series crown, signing a deal to race in IRL's road course races, but when that came to nothing, he was left driveless.

"I thought I had a deal in IndyCar for just the road courses, but that fell apart," Howard added. "I sat there thinking, 'What am I going to do?' It was too late to get an IPS drive. After that, I said I've got to use my time the best I can.

"I have to benefit by not being in the car. I wanted to show I'm still hungry for it and will never give up."

Howard is expected to get a run-out in the Roth Dallara before the end of the year, most likely at Homestead in Florida.

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport