Canapino secures second season in IndyCar with Juncos

Agustin Canapino will spend a second season in IndyCar with Juncos Hollinger Racing, the team has confirmed.

The 33-year-old Argentinian debuted in the top-level open-wheel series this year after spending 19 years racing touring and stock cars. Despite being new to single-seaters he acquitted himself well.

Canapino contested the full season, unlike some of his rookie rivals who skipped the ovals. He came 21st in the standings with a best starting position of 18th and a best race result of 12th place, achieved on his debut and then twice more.

He expressed his gratitude to team owners Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger for their continued support.

“After an incredible 2023 season, where we achieved good results, entered the Leaders Circle, and consistently delivered strong performances, all in my first year in a single-seater,” he said. “I am filled with joy and motivation to have the opportunity to keep growing as a driver and contribute to the continuous and remarkable evolution of the team.”

Canapino said his priority for his second season in IndyCar will be “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,” he added.

The team had long expressed their desire to keep Canapino for 2024, but whether that would be on a part-time basis or in the form of another full campaign was dependant on how much financial backing he could source in Argentina.

Canapino’s IndyCar efforts have boosted the chances of the series returning to South America in the near future. Brazil was on the IndyCar calendar as recently as 2013, but the series has not raced in Argentina since 1971.

The announcement of Canapino’s contract extension with Juncos was supposed to be announced on Tuesday morning this week, but was delayed by a day due to “technical issues.”

Brad Hollinger called his driver “the surprise of the season”, and fellow team co-owner Ricardo Juncos added: “Agustin’s incredible achievements on the track have not only exceeded our expectations but have also been a source of pride for our entire team. His energy, dedication, and sportsmanship have united us and created a sense of camaraderie that is truly exceptional.”

Before his promotion to IndyCar, Canapino won the Renault Megane Cup and the TC Pista series, four Turismo Carretera titles, seven Top Race V6 titles and two TC2000 titles in his home country. He also made appearances in Stock Car Brasil and IMSA’s top DPi class for prototype sports cars, but was totally new to single-seater racing when he joined Juncos this year.

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