There will be a third Kiwi in the IndyCar field next year following the signing of Marcus Armstrong by Chip Ganassi Racing to compete on the road and street courses for the season.
The 22-year-old had been in the United States recently, testing with Dale Coyne Racing for whom he was expected to sign.
Instead, it’s CGR who have come calling, the youngster set to partner compatriot and IndyCar great Scott Dixon, 2021 IndyCar champion Alex Palou and 2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson for non-oval races.
The team announced the signing by a release on their website over the weekend.
“I’m ecstatic to be a part of the IndyCar Series, but especially with Chip Ganassi Racing because it is such an iconic and successful teamI have an extraordinary opportunity in front of me to learn from people that have been performing at the absolute highest level in this sport,” said Armstrong.
“As a Kiwi, I’ve always watched Scott Dixon succeed in the championship with this team, so on a personal level this is quite special for me. I am a hard worker that looks to improve every single day. With the knowledge and personnel that this team has, I’m very excited to take on this new challenge.”
It’s a massive coup for both driver and team, CGR consistently running towards the front of the pack with 14 drivers championships to their credit since 1996.
It speaks volumes of how Armstrong is perceived in the motorsport community, this a big step in his career at such a young age. Whilst he won’t compete on ovals, teams have, in past, used non-ovals to break in drivers ahead of full-time campaigns in future. Whilst we have no confirmation of that yet, 2023 will give a great indication as to how the Kiwi fares on the big stage.
It’s no gamble by CGR to sign the Kiwi, however, managing director Mike Hull attributing the signing to Armstrong’s F2 successes which have seen him take four wins and podium eight times in just two years.
“Marcus driving the No. 11 car for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 is exciting,” said Hull.
“As a 22-year-old, what is in common to others who have climbed into IndyCar with CGR is that at that age he already knows how to win. That’s been repeatedly proven at the highest global level. Besides talent, the intangible that he brings creates measurement through opportunity. Bring on 2023!”
The Cantabrian is expected to fly to the United States next week to partner with the team and begin preparation for his IndyCar debut on the Streets on St. Petersburg on March 5.
He joins an ever-growing pool of New Zealand talent on the big stage in the United States, Dixon and Scott McLaughlin already established in IndyCar whilst Hunter McElrea is moving forward in Indy Lights as are Jacob Douglas and Billy Frazer on the Road to Indy Pathway.
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