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Marcus Armstrong lands full-time ride with Chip Ganassi Racing on multi-year extension

nathan brown, indianapolis star
·2 min read

SALINAS, Calif. -- With his IndyCar Rookie of the Year award nearly in hand with one race left, Marcus Armstrong has earned himself a long-term home at Chip Ganassi Racing.

The 23-year-old New Zealand native has signed a new multi-year contract extension, according to the team, in a promotion that will see Armstrong compete full-time in 2024 alongside seasoned champions Scott Dixon and Alex Palou and 2024 Rookie of the Year candidate Linus Lundqvist.

Chip Ganassi Racing rookie Marcus Armstrong fell from 14th on Sunday's starting grid at Barber to 26th after being docked his two fastest laps in the first round of qualifying for impeding Christian Lundgaard.
Chip Ganassi Racing rookie Marcus Armstrong fell from 14th on Sunday's starting grid at Barber to 26th after being docked his two fastest laps in the first round of qualifying for impeding Christian Lundgaard.

In preparation for his full-season debut next year and a likely rookie orientation program run in October at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for next year's Indianapolis 500, Armstrong will turn his first laps on an oval Sept. 13 in a private test at Texas Motor Speedway.

"I am very proud and excited to continue with Chip Ganassi Racing for next year and beyond," Armstrong said in the release. "Together with this very talented and experienced team, I am confident we can compete at the highest level in this championship."

Despite having run just 11 of the 16 races this season, Armstrong holds a commanding 26-point lead in the ROY race over Juncos Hollinger Racing's full-time rookie Agustin Canapino, with just Sunday's season-finale at Laguna Seca remaining. Armstrong can lock up the title with a top-10 finish; it would be his fifth this season. His best finish came on the streets of Toronto two months ago in 7th on a run of three top-10s in four starts in the middle of the season. He's also seen at least two more potential strong finishes slip away due to a risky strategy call or botched pitstop or two.

Presently, Armstrong sits 20th in points, just 10 behind veteran Helio Castroneves.

Ganassi rookie Marcus Armstrong (left) takes his first IndyCar race weekend track walk with, among others, team legend Dario Franchitti.
Ganassi rookie Marcus Armstrong (left) takes his first IndyCar race weekend track walk with, among others, team legend Dario Franchitti.

"Marcus Armstrong has proven in 2023 his quick adaptation to IndyCar road and street tracks, and he's ready to be a full-time Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar driver," said team managing director Mike Hull. "Winning is integrated into his racing resume, including his pursuit of the 2023 IndyCar Rookie of the Year title. He knows how to win as a teammate, and next comes ovals at the highest global level."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar: Marcus Armstrong signs extension for full-time Ganassi ride