The NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams and drivers are busy getting ready for next weekend’s 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and it is around this time each year that the driver silly season gets talked about.
Here at Paddock Eye we thought we would delve deeper into this with one team in particular, Chip Ganassi Racing.
Here is what we know is certain, six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon, driver of the No.9 PNC Bank Honda will return next season.
That is the only certainty for 2024. It remains to be seen what 2021 champion Alex Palou will do but we won’t find out whether he stays or joins Arrow McLaren until at least September.
Speaking during a post practice press conference on Wednesday, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato confirmed that the Indy 500 next weekend is his last scheduled race with the team but all options are on the table beyond May 28.
Marcus Ericsson, the defending Indianapolis 500 winner is in the final year of his contract and wants to stay in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and has plenty of options available to him should he choose to leave the team.
Then there’s the case of Marcus Armstrong who is rated very highly by Ganassi and has performed well in his opening races with the team.
So, who could be in the running for a Ganassi seat? Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Callum Ilott is believed to be a potential target for the team should he be available.
We will just have to watch this space and see what happens.