Juncos breaks ground on new headquarters in downtown Speedway
The facility will house a body shop and office space for its six drivers and 25 employees. An additional 30,000 square feet will be available for future expansion, and Juncos has future plans to do machining, painting and other work in-house, limiting the need for outsourcing. Completion is projected for summer or early fall 2016.
“It is a complete privilege to welcome yet another outstanding motorsports team to our thriving Main Street area," said Vince Noblet, president of the SRC. “The team’s vision for its new facility is directly in line with our goals for the town and will benefit largely from its neighboring location to the world’s greatest racetrack."
The returning champions of the 2015 Pro Mazda Team Championship and first-time winners, in their first full season, of the 2015 Indy Lights Driver Championship, Juncos Racing (pronounced June-kohs) is coming off a highly successful 2015 campaign.
"The creation of the Juncos Technical Center (JTC) marks a historical turning point for the team," said Ricardo Juncos, team principal and founder of Juncos Racing. “Less than 10 years ago, we were a small karting team in Florida, and I continue to be amazed by the amount of growth and success we have seen in such a short period of time."
“The team has grown larger and stronger each year, which created the need for a facility like the JTC," he continued. “This new facility will allow Juncos to continue to expand into new series. It wouldn’t be possible without the incredible passion and desire of every member of Juncos Racing, and I am truly grateful for all of the hard work they put in to make this dream a reality."
Juncos Racing was first established in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to help support the racing career of Ricardo Juncos. After opportunities became limited in Argentina, Juncos moved the team to Miami in 2003 where they became well respected in the North American karting community. In 2009, Juncos Racing entered into INDYCAR’s Mazda Road to Indy ladder series, running in the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires (former Star Mazda Championship). The team relocated to Brownsburg, Ind. in 2011 in order to provide more resources and support to their Driver Development Program.
In 2015, Juncos Racing earned their second consecutive Pro Mazda Championship with four wins, six poles and 16 podium finishes among the four-driver team. Juncos Racing also won the Indy Light Driver Championship in only their first full season in the series by recording six wins, four poles and 12 podiums between two rookie drivers. For the upcoming 2016 season, the racing team has signed four Pro Mazda drivers, two of which will return from the 2015 season, and two Indy Lights drivers, one of which will return from the 2015 season.
According to Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, “Professional auto racing in central Indiana is a major economic driver that stretches well beyond the hospitality and tourism industry. Racing teams like Juncos Racing provide quality jobs and add to our community pride and image. I have known the team at Juncos Racing for several years and watched as they have grown to become one of the sport’s best and brightest, and we are thankful they have chosen to invest in Speedway. We look forward to watching them continue to excel for years to come."
“I’m sure the Juncos Racing headquarters will become a landmark to visit in Speedway’s Main Street area," said David Lindsey, president of the Speedway Town Council. “We are excited for the impact this new team and facility will bring to Speedway. The Town of Speedway extends a warm welcome to our newest neighbor."
Juncos Racing