Indy Lights: Hunter McElrea Returns to Andretti Autosport for 2023 Season

Hunter McElrea, driver of the No. 27 Andretti Autosport Dallara in the 2022 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship, will return to his Andretti Autosport stead for the 2023 season. McElrea joined Andretti Autosport this season for his rookie year in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES feeder series. McElrea is the first driver announced to Andretti’s 2023 Indy Lights team.

McElrea has shined during his rookie season with three pole positions, two wins and six podiums thus far. The race weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was memorable for the New Zealand driver – where he swept the weekend leading every practice session, winning the pole award and the race victory. 

“We are happy to have Hunter (McElrea) return to the team for another season,” said Michael Andretti, CEO and chairman for Andretti Autosport. “He’s had a good season with us and will perform well in the series for this upcoming year. After the growth and learnings he has had this year, we look forward to seeing him excel next season.”

With three races remaining in the 2022 season, McElrea heads into a championship fight that includes two Andretti Autosport teammates. Currently sitting third in the championship standings with 371 points, he will have three opportunities to take the lead at Portland International Raceway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. 

“I’m really excited to be back with Andretti Autosport for the 2023 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship,” said McElrea. “I really gelled with the team this season and it’s a great atmosphere with fast cars, so it was a no brainer for me to come back. I’ve learned a lot in my first year and I really look forward to putting that into action for my second year. Obviously, the championship is the goal but I’m just planning to have as much fun as I can and keep learning, while making the most of the opportunity I have. I can’t thank Michael and JF enough for the opportunity. I must really also thank all my shareholders and sponsors Smart Motors, Giltrap Group, Objective, TQF, Courtesy Corporation and Bob Stellrecht for his support in the 2023 season.”

The 2022 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship heads next to Portland International Raceway Sunday, September 4, before concluding the season with a doubleheader at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca September 10-11, 2022.