Photo: Matt Fraver
Hunter McElrea will continue with Andretti Autosport in the Indy Lights championship in 2023.
The Kiwi-American made the step up to Indy Lights at the start of this year and has since taken two victories and four additional podium finishes in his rookie campaign.
McElrea lies third in the points with three races to go, with a very slim outside shot at the title, and is the first driver to be confirmed to be racing in the series next year.
“I’m really excited to be back with Andretti Autosport for the 2023 Indy Lights championship,” he said.
“I really gelled with the team this season and it’s a great atmosphere with fast cars, so it was a no brainer for me to come back.
“I’ve learned a lot in my first year and I really look forward to putting that into action for my second year. Obviously the championship is the goal but I’m just planning to have as much fun as I can and keep learning, while making the most of the opportunity I have.”
McElrea joined the Road to Indy ladder after winning the Mazda Road to Indy Shootout at the end of 2018. He joined Pabst Racing for a year in USF2000 and was title runner-up, then remained with Pabst for another two years as he stepped up to the Indy Pro 2000 series. He came third in the standings in his second season with three wins.
McElrea’s first Indy Lights victory came at Mid-Ohio in July, before a second victory the following race weekend at Iowa Speedway.
“We are happy to have Hunter return to the team for another season,” said Andretti Autosport’s CEO Michael Andretti.
“He’s had a good season with us and will perform well in the series for this upcoming year. After the growth and learnings he has had this year, we look forward to seeing him excel next season.”