Juncos Hollinger Racing finally announced its drivers lineup for the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season. ‘’Une surprise’’ and ‘’una renovación’’.
With four months remaining for the start of the season, another team has confirmed its drivers. Juncos Hollinger Racing will be racing next year with Agustin Canapino and Romain Grosjean, who takes Calum Ilott’s seat.
The argentinean driver of the #78 car has signed a contract extension with the team, after a successful season as a rookie. He didn’t score any top 10, but showed a quickly adaptation especially in the first two races (St. Pete and Texas), where he finished 12th in both. Canapino ended 21st in the championship (180 points) and entered the Leaders Circle. The 33-year old commented: ‘’for 2024, the mindset will be different. What was once filled with doubt and uncertainty will now be a relentless pursuit of improving day by day, seeking results and consistency in each race. Of course, we don’t forget that we are still a relatively new team competing against strong competitors, but we approach this challenge with the eagerness and hunger to aim higher every time’’.
The big move and latest addition to JHR is the Swiss- born Frenchman and ex F1 driver Romain Grosjean, who leaves Andretti Global and will drive the #77 Dallara – Chevrolet. He finished 13th in the championship (296 points) and scored two podiums (Long Beach and Alabama). He said: “I’ve been closely following JHR’s ascension in the past few seasons. The team has showcased significant growth, and I am eager to contribute my experience as we aim for a strong 2024 season’’. Ricardo Juncos, co-owner of the team, commented: “Romain brings an unparalleled pedigree in motorsports. His leadership and experience are precisely what we need to propel JHR to new heights in the NTT Indycar Series’’. Co-owner Brad Hollinger also said: “Romain has a history of competing at the pinnacle of motorsports. His expertise will be invaluable as we strive to redefine our performance metrics, both on and off the track.”
Personally, I think Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger took a big gamble on signing Grosjean. Callum Ilott was in his third year with the team (started in late 2021) and was delivering good results, so it would have been interesting to see his performance next year under the alliance between JHR and Arrow McLaren. On the other hand, Romain Grosjean is a top driver, we can’t deny. He brings experience and sponsors, but after a not so good season with Andretti (and legal issues), will he be able to bring back his winning mindset? Hopefully yes. IndyCar is very competitive and everything can change fast. These are my three keys for this team in 2024:
- Will JHR benefit from the alliance with Arrow McLaren?
- Romain Grosjean’s performance in a new team.
- Can Agustin Canapino score a top 5? A podium?
