IndyNXT race winner Jamie Chadwick will carry out an IndyCar test with Andretti in the aftermath of the 2024 season as her break out year in the US continues.
Chadwick moved to IndyNXT with Andretti in 2022 after her remarkable success in W Series, and is now edging ever closer to making the jump to the top level of North American single-seater motorsport after she won her first race in the catergory earlier this year at Road America.
When she climbs into the cockpit of the Andretti IndyCar on 30th September at Barber Motorsports Park she’ll become the first female IndyNXT driver since Pippa Mann in 2011 to test an IndyCar.
At just 26 years old Chadwick still has time on her side to make her way to the top of the motorsport ladder, but it is surely a matter of when rather than if she will make it onto the IndyCar grid.
She told us at the 81st Members’ Meeting presented by Mastercard that her goal was to make the jump for 2025, and this test represents a great opportunity to prove herself worthy. It also shows the support for her within the Andretti team, as she currently sits fifth in the drivers’ standings after a strong run of points finishes in the wake of her maiden IndyNXT victory.
Andretti has a strong recent history of bringing drivers up through the IndyCar ranks. Current stars Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood were both IndyNXT graduates with the team, and Chadwick looks to have a chance to join that list.
“I’m incredibly excited to be testing in IndyCar for the first time with Andretti Global at Barber Motorsports Park later this year.” Chadwick said. “I want to say a huge thank you to the team for this opportunity. It is for sure one I am going to relish.
“The IndyCar Series remains my goal, so I cannot wait to learn as much as possible on that day at one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar.”
Andretti Global CEO and Chairman Michael Andretti added: “It’s been a pleasure watching Jamie grow as a driver in our IndyNXT program. The work she put in during the winter after her rookie season is obvious, and we’ve been impressed with the progress she’s made.
The IndyNXT field is really competitive this year and what Jamie has been able to do is a testament to the level of skill and potential she has. We believe in rewarding hard work and results and are excited to give her this opportunity. We’re all looking forward to seeing what she can do in September.”
Chadwick has four rounds left of her second IndyNXT campaign, which leaves her plenty of time to further improve her position in the drivers’ championship. One thing’s for sure, she’ll need to perform well if she wants to convince decision makers at Andretti that she’s worthy of a seat in place of Herta, Kirkwood or Marcus Ericsson, who have already scored IndyCar podiums in 2024.
Lead image courtesy of Motorsport Images.
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