New Zealander Hunter McElrea will make his IndyCar debut in Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 18 Honda.
The 2023 Indy NXT runner-up turned his first laps in IndyCar machinery last week during a successful one-day test with DCR at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
“It’s a dream come true for me to be making my NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut,” McElrea said.
“I’ve been working toward this for a long time, and I have to thank Dale (Coyne) for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get to Toronto, which is one of the coolest events of the year. I want to thank JR Smart and Courtesy Corporation for making this possible for me.”
The American-born 24-year-old began his IndyCar journey on the Road to Indy pathway in 2019, finishing as runner-up in the USF 2000 Championship with Pabst Racing.
Two seasons in USF Pro 2000 followed, with the Kiwi taking 13 podiums, including four wins, in 35 starts.
McElrea was fourth overall in his rookie Indy NXT campaign and then finished runner-up in the championship in 2023.
This year, the Kiwi has raced in IMSA’s Endurance Cup in the LMP2 class with TDS Racing. The team finished second in March’s 12 Hours of Sebring.
He now joins Marcus Armstrong, Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin as the fourth Kiwi in the field in this weekend’s race on the Streets of Toronto.
“Hunter impressed the team during our test last week at Mid-Ohio,” Coyne said. “He quickly got up to speed and helped run through our testing plan. I’m excited to see what he can do on the streets of Toronto this weekend.”
Coverage of Monday’s race begins at 5.00 am and will be shown live on Sky Sport.
Header Image: Penske Entertainment: James Black
