by Indycar
Chip Ganassi Racing announced Sept. 7 the team has signed Marcus Armstrong to a multiyear contract extension.
Armstrong, 23, leads the Rookie of the Year standings in his debut NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with 190 points. New Zealand native Armstrong has competed exclusively in road and street course races this season. Throughout his first 11 races in the series, he has recorded three top-eight finishes and led the field for five laps.
The Kiwi will expand his driving duties to compete on ovals with a full season beginning in 2024. Armstrong will drive an INDYCAR SERIES car on an oval for the first time when he tests Sept. 13 at Texas Motor Speedway.
“I am very proud and excited to continue with Chip Ganassi Racing for next year and beyond,” Armstrong said. “Together with this very talented and experienced team, I am confident we can compete at the highest level in this championship. 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 teammates and Dario (Franchitti). I’m very grateful for how much help I’ve received from each team member. With a season under my belt, I now want to turn these lessons into results. 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. I spent the entire Month of May either in the engineering office or in the pit stand this year, trying to familiarize myself with the details of oval racing. It’s a challenge that excites me a lot.”
Said Chip Ganassi Racing Managing Director Mike Hull: “Marcus Armstrong has proven in 2023 his quick adaptation to INDYCAR road and street tracks. 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 the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Marcus.”
Armstrong made the jump to race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Chip Ganassi Racing after competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship from 2020-22, when he earned four wins and eight podium finishes.
Originally posted on indycar.com