F2 veteran Marcus Armstrong is set to pilot Chip Ganassi Racing’s fourth Indycar entry on road and street courses in the 2023 season.
Following Jimmie Johnson’s move to NASCAR team ownership with the Petty GMS Motorsports organization, the car will run under #11. Armstrong will be teaming up with New Zealand compatriot and six-time champion Scott Dixon, 2021 champion Alex Palou and 2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson for the 12 non-ovals on the 2022 calendar. CGR are still to announce the driver sharing the #11 car at the five oval rounds, but could have something to announce before the end of the month.
The 22-year-old had been in talks with Dale Coyne Racing before and after testing for the team in October, and was believed to be close to making a deal with Coyne to partner David Malukas full-time in 2023, with Takuma Sato becoming an oval-only third driver.
Armstrong said:
“I’m ecstatic to be a part of the IndyCar Series, but especially with Chip Ganassi Racing because it is such an iconic and successful team”
“I have an extraordinary opportunity in front of me to learn from people that have been performing at the absolute highest level in this sport. As a Kiwi, I’ve always watched Scott Dixon succeed in the championship with this team, so on a personal level this is quite special for me. I am a hard worker that looks to improve every single day. With the knowledge and personnel that this team has, I’m very excited to take on this new challenge.”
In three seasons of F2, Armstrong clinched four wins and eight podiums and placed 13th in the standings for three different teams. Armstrong will also be the third Kiwi in Indycar in the 2023 season alongside CGR’s Scott Dixon and Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin.
“Marcus driving the No. 11 car for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 is exciting,” said CGR managing director Mike Hull.
“As a 22-year-old, what is in common to others who have climbed into IndyCar with CGR is that at that age he already knows how to win. That’s been repeatedly proven at the highest global level. Besides talent, the intangible that he brings creates measurement through opportunity. Bring on 2023!”