Andretti INDY NXT Grand Prix of Alabama Race Report
Race Notes
This weekend saw the Andretti INDY NXT and Andretti Cape INDY NXT drivers take on their first permanent road course of the season as they battled it out at Barber Motorsports Park in the Grand Prix of Alabama.
Leading both Andretti INDY NXT teams, James Roe’s high starting position allowed him to stay consistent at the front of the field and take the checkered on the podium. This is the Irishman’s best finish at the Alabama track and second career podium in the INDY NXT by Firestone Series.
After experiencing electrical issues throughout the weekend that prevented him from recording a lap in yesterday’s qualifying round, Louis Foster was able to make an impressive comeback and navigate his way up 16 positions from the back of the field, where he secured a top five finish, making him the biggest mover of the race.
Rookie Michael d’Orlando started directly behind Chadwick for the Andretti Cape INDY NXT team and although he moved back a position, he maintained a strong pace for the majority of the 35 lap race to capture a P7 finish. In his two career starts in INDY NXT, the American driver has seen the top 10 both times.
Bryce Aron took to the grid in P7 this morning for his first race at Barber Motorsports Park and was able to move up a couple positions, where he stayed for most of the session. Although, mechanical issues at the very end of the race caused him to fall back, he was still was able to obtain a top 10 finish for his debut at Barber.
Other Andretti Cape INDY NXT driver Salvador de Alba struggled to find a gap in yesterday’s qualifying session, but was able to take what he learned there to improve his performance and move up two spots into the top 10.
Jamie Chadwick’s career best starting position in the top five set the British driver up for success for most of the race as she maintained a spot near the front of the field. Although, on the final lap of the race, Chadwick ran off the track causing her to fall behind to the back of the field at the end of today’s race.
Race Results
Louis Foster No. 26 Copart / Novara Technologies Dallara
Andretti INDY NXT
P5
Started: P21
Standings: 3rd (65pts)
“After a long weekend of issues with the car, it was a very good day for us. We did the best that we could have done today and salvaged as many points as possible, which is the goal. We absolutely maximized what we were given and I’m very happy with that. In future weekends, I’m hoping to be qualifying more up front since I think we definitely had the pace to win this race. Overall the No. 26 crew did an amazing job to get the car back out there today, so massive thank you to the boys for all the hard work over the last two days.”
Bryce Aron No. 27 Jaguar Land Rover Chesterfield Dallara
Andretti INDY NXT
P8
Started: P7
Standings: 13th (35pts)
“Overall it was a really good race, and we were running P5 for most of it. We did have a mechanical failure at the end there, which meant we had to really fight to stay in position because we weren’t getting full power from the engine. It’s a bit of a shame that we had that little issue but, it happens, it’s racing. The Andretti guys work really hard and they gave me a really good car. We still managed to bring home P8 with the mechanical issue, so it was still a really good weekend.”
Jamie Chadwick No. 28 VEXT Dallara
Andretti INDY NXT
P20
Started: P5
Standings: 21st (20pts)
“Super disappointed today. We were having a decent race and were on track for some good points, but I just clipped the curb at the end trying to pass and it sent me into a spin. Pretty unfortunate, but the car was strong and we kept good pace this weekend, so I can be happy with that.”
James Roe No. 29 Topcon Dallara
Andretti INDY NXT
P3
Started: P3
Standings: 8th (49pts)
“It was a great race for us today. Obviously a podium is always good in this Championship with how competitive it is. I was maybe a little too conservative in the middle part of the race since I still had a lot of push to pass left at the end. Nonetheless, the No. 29 team did an awesome job and helped make today a good race and something I’m really happy about, so, on to the next.”
Salvador de Alba No. 2 Grupo Indi Dallara
Andretti Cape INDY NXT
P10
Started: P12
Standings: 10th (42pts)
“This isn’t the race we were expecting to have this weekend, but I still ended up in top 10 again. I was stuck behind a car for most of the race and at the end I got passed. I’m working hard to improve and get better results at the Indy GP. We have testing in Mid-Ohio right before that race, so I’m hoping that getting some laps in there will prepare me for next one. I’m looking forward to it. ”
Michael d’Orlando No. 3 Priority Dallara
Andretti Cape INDY NXT
P7
Started: P6
Standings: 5th (58pts)
“We wanted to be on the top 10 today and that’s exactly where we ended up. It’s not exactly the race I expected or wanted with it being very hard to pass out there, but the pace of the car was much better today. I’m very grateful for the Andretti Cape guys doing everything they could to put this car together and keeping us strong out there. Special thanks to my sponsor for making this weekend possible.”
Don Lambert Team Manager
“Andretti INDY NXT had a really good race weekend overall, it’s nice to see James up on the podium for us. Finally, after struggling with an electrical issue on Louis’ car, the team got it fixed last night and we were able to get it out on the track today, where he moved up significantly. Having five of our drivers up in the top 10 shows that we have really strong cars out there, and we’re fighting for the Championship every day.”
