Armstrong to contest full IndyCar season in multi-year Ganassi deal

Chip Ganassi Racing have signed rookie Marcus Armstrong to a contract extension that will keep in with the team for “next year and beyond”.

Armstrong is driving the team’s number 11 car at all street circuit and road course races this year, while Takuma Sato has taken over for the oval rounds. Despite having missed five races, Armstrong lies 20th in the championship standings on 190 points and leads the Rookie of the Year standings.

The 23-year-old has signed a multi-year extension with Ganassi which will see him take on the oval races next season as well.

“Marcus Armstrong has proven in 2023 his quick adaptation to IndyCar road and street tracks,” said Ganassi’s managing director Mike Hull. “He’s ready to be a full-time Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar driver.

“Winning is integrated into his racing resume. This includes his pursuit of the 2023 IndyCar Rookie of the Year. He knows how to win as a teammate. Next comes ovals at the highest global level. We look forward to a long-term relationship driven by growth and opportunity in IndyCar with Marcus.”

Armstrong hailed the support of his team mates and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti for the success he had enjoyed through his rookie season.

“Together with this very talented and experienced team, I am confident we can compete at the highest level in this championship,” said Armstrong.

“I feel very grateful that Chip has given me the time to adapt to IndyCar and has helped me every step of the way in what has been a good season. I’ve spent the year learning from a great group of people, including my team mates and Dario. I’m very grateful for how much help I’ve received from each team member.”

He said he is eager to take on IndyCar’s oval tracks for the first time next year.

“I will be racing on the ovals for the first time next year and it’s an exciting challenge that I’m confident I can learn quickly,” he said. “I spent the entire month of May either in the engineering office or in the pit stand this year, trying to familiarise myself with the details of oval racing. It’s a challenge that excites me a lot.”

Armstrong competed for three seasons in Formula 2 between 2020 and 2022, winning four races and finishing 13th in the standings in all three years.

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