Juncos Hollinger expands IndyCar entry to two cars for 2023

Juncos Hollinger Racing has expanded its IndyCar programme to two cars for the 2023 season, signing Argentine touring car ace Agustin Canapino to partner Callum Illot.

Juncos Hollinger expands IndyCar entry to two cars for 2023

The 32-year-old will drive the team’s #78 Dallara-Chevrolet and will partner Britain’s Ilott, becoming the first driver from Argentina to contest a full season of IndyCar since Juan Manuel Fangio II 25 years ago.

Canapino has claimed 15 national championships in his homeland, winning multiple titles in the Super TC2000, Top Race V6 and Turismo Carretera categories.

In 2019, he raced a JHR Cadillac DPi-V.R in Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Last October, he tested an IndyCar for the Indianapolis-based squad at Sebring, before the team headed down to Argentina, appearing at the Autodromo de Buenos Aires and the International Circuit of Termas de Rio Hondo during an IndyCar Exhibition.

It marked the first time an IndyCar had been run in Argentina for 51 years and was witnessed by 75,000 fans.

"For me, this is a great opportunity, so I am very grateful to Ricardo Juncos, Brad Hollinger, and all the sponsors that are making this possible,” said Canapino.

"I'm going to do my best in every moment to get the best possible results.

"I'm going in with my mind set on learning and going step-by-step, but I’m also focused on evolving throughout the season.

"The goal is to finish the races, get to know the car, and the circuits – especially the ovals.

"IndyCar is the most competitive and difficult category in the world, and the cars are the most demanding and require the maximum effort and preparation on my part.

"I am happy to take on this challenge and I’m motivated to perform well and repay those that have trusted me with this opportunity.”

Agustín Canapino, Juncos Hollinger Racing

Agustín Canapino, Juncos Hollinger Racing

Photo by: Juncos Entertainment Group

Team founder and co-owner Ricardo Juncos said: "To be able to communicate this news today is incredible for me and my team. It has been more than 20 years since I came to North American motorsports.

"It has been a long road of uninterrupted hard work in which I have been fulfilling different dreams, and to see this particular one becoming a reality is truly incredible.

"After a complete analysis of each of the driver options we had to drive our #78 car, we have made the decision that Agustín Canapino is the right choice. Both Brad [Hollinger, co-owner] and I have full confidence in his ability.

"With a very successful racing career in Argentina behind him, he exceeded all expectations when he trained at Sebring, and he’s confirmed that talent with what we’ve seen in his driving since.”

Hollinger added: “Callum demonstrated significant potential during his inaugural 2022 campaign as he surprised the field with his strong pace while learning every track.

"Partnering Agustin with Callum gives Juncos Hollinger Racing an extremely talented and proven driver lineup.

"Agustin brings an unparalleled level of success in multiple race series to the team.

"His ability to adapt is exceptional and the significant experience he has accumulated winning multiple championships will complement Callum and the team nicely.

“We look forward to competing at the tip of the arrow this year with the goal of multiple podiums.” 

shares
comments

IndyCar champion Power to make IMSA debut in Daytona 24 with SunEnergy

Kyle Larson to race for McLaren-Hendrick in 2024 Indy 500

Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives

Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Kevin Turner

Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives Nigel Mansell’s greatest F1 and Indycar drives

How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled

How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
Indy 500
David Malsher-Lopez

How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled How Ericsson achieved Indy immortality as Ganassi's main man stumbled

Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021

Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021 Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021

How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential

How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
Charles Bradley

How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential How F1's other IndyCar exile finally unlocked his potential

How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best

How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best How Ganassi's relentless new champion outfoxed IndyCar's best

Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?

Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up? Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?

Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win

Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing IndyCar win

Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting

Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting

Plus
Plus
IndyCar
David Malsher-Lopez

Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting