New Detroit challenge awaits Juncos Hollinger Racing drivers
Detroit, MichiganJune 1, 2023
Juncos Hollinger Racing will face a new Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix challenge this weekend (June 2-4), as Callum Ilott and Agustín Canapino do battle on the new-for-2023 Downtown Detroit street circuit at round seven of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
The freshly-designed 1.7-mile course replaces the Belle Isle track configuration that’s been used in previous years and will pass through some of the Motor City’s most popular areas, such as Jefferson Avenue on the frontstretch. Aspects of the original Detroit Grand Prix Downtown circuit, used by Formula One in 1982, have also been incorporated.
This weekend’s quick and technical 9-turn track will provide a different challenge to last weekend’s INDY 500, where Callum finished P12 and Agustín drove confidently before he retired in the closing stages after a collision.
Both men will hope to emulate the street circuit form they showed at this year’s NTT INDYCAR opener in St. Petersburg, where Argentine rookie Agustín defied the odds to claim P12 after qualifying P21 and Callum brilliantly climbed from P22 to finish P5.
Neither driver has competed for JHR in Detroit before. Callum didn’t take part in last year’s Detroit Grand Prix due to breaking his hand in a crash at the 106th Running of the INDY 500.
“I’m looking forward to getting a first look at the track, where we can hopefully continue the momentum from last week’s INDY 500.”
Callum Ilott said:
“Detroit is obviously a brand-new track, and I understand that it’s going to be a challenge as it’s quite tight. It will be new for everyone, which means that it will be a level playing field and we will try to maximise our chances from that. I’m looking forward to getting a first look at the track, where we can hopefully continue the momentum from last week’s INDY 500.
“The data from our previous street races at St. Pete and Long Beach could potentially be useful this weekend. However, everything will be unique so until we turn some laps, we won’t know.”
“We are going to a new circuit for everyone, which is good for me since in my case, they are always new and this situation allows me to be less at a disadvantage.”
Agustín Canapino said:
“We are going to a new circuit for everyone, which is good for me since in my case, they are always new and this situation allows me to be less at a disadvantage.
“A difficult circuit is expected, but we have no information so far, so we will have to find out from Friday in the first practice.
“The objective will be to try to finish the race in the best possible place, as always, to continue learning within the category.”
“We’re looking forward to representing Chevrolet in its home city and bringing back some positive results for the brand.”
Ricardo Juncos said:
“Racing in Detroit will be interesting as it’s a new track for everybody, and it should make things equal for rookie drivers such as Agustín. I have confidence that we can do well this weekend because we were super fast at the street circuits in Toronto and Nashville last year.
“I’m looking forward to carrying on the momentum that we gained from the INDY 500, as the whole team was showing a really high performance. During the race and in the pit stops, we were really strong. We have improved a lot of things over the past year and are getting better in different areas, so we are determined to continue that in Detroit.
“Racing at the heart of General Motors in Downtown Detroit will be a big occasion for us as a Chevy team. We’re looking forward to representing Chevrolet in its home city and bringing back some positive results for the brand.”
Juncos Hollinger Racing’s INDY NXT drivers will tackle two races in Detroit this weekend, as the doubleheader fixture puts Matteo Nannini and Rasmus Lindh on track Saturday and Sunday.
In a new-look qualifying format, teams will utilize two separate 15-minute sessions, each with eight minutes of green flag running. The first 15 minutes will set the field for Saturday’s 45-lap race, and the second session will establish the order of Sunday’s 45-lap race.
Matteo’s first INDY NXT victory on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course earlier this month will give the Argentine/Italian huge confidence heading to Detroit. The 19-year-old led the entire race after starting P1.
Rasmus meanwhile, will also be determined to build on his assured first outing of the season with JHR three weeks ago, after gaining two places on his starting spot to claim P8.
“Coming from a great weekend in Indianapolis, I want to keep up the good job and perform well here too.”
Matteo Nannini said:
“We have an exciting weekend ahead as we approach a new track here in Detroit. Coming from a great weekend in Indianapolis, I want to keep up the good job and perform well here too.
“In St. Pete, our pace overall was good so I’m looking forward to being back behind the steering wheel of my #75 car.
“It will be the first weekend with two races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, so we’ll have a lot of on track action.”
“It will be a new track for everyone this weekend, and my first race with Juncos Hollinger Racing on a street track this year.”
Rasmus Lindh said:
“I’m excited to continue the momentum that we have in the team after Indianapolis in the last round.
“It will be a new track for everyone this weekend, and my first race with Juncos Hollinger Racing on a street track this year. I have always enjoyed racing on street circuits, especially since competing in USF2000.
“Having a doubleheader this weekend is going to be fun and I’m looking forward to the occasion.”