IndyCar News: Hunter McElrea to make debut in Toronto for Coyne

Current IMSA endurance driver and INDY NXT by Firestone alumni Hunter McElrea will be making his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut this weekend at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto aboard Dale Coyne Racing’s #18 entry.

McElrea, who finished runner-up in the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone Championship, turned his first laps aboard an Indy car last week during a successful one-day test with the team at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

“It’s a dream come true for me to be making my NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut,” shared McElrea. “I’ve been working towards this for a long time, and I have to thank Dale for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get to Toronto, which is one of the coolest events of the year. I want to thank JR Smart and Courtesy Corporation for making this possible for me.”

McElrea, a New Zealand racing driver born in Los Angeles, California, began his career in karting at the age of seven. He stepped up to single-seaters, competing in Formula Ford championships in both Australia and New Zealand in 2015.

In 2018, he contested a second full season of Australian Formula Ford registering thirteen wins and becoming the first non-Australian driver to win the title since 1985.

Prior to joining the INDY NXT by Firestone championship in 2022 where he took rookie of the year honors, McElrea was Vice Champion in the 2019 USF2000 Championship, and third place in the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship.

Earlier this year, McElrea finished second in the 12 Hours of Sebring.

“Hunter impressed the team during our test last week at Mid-Ohio,” expressed Team Owner Dale Coyne. “He quickly got up to speed and helped run through our testing plan. I’m excited to see what he can do on the streets of Toronto, this weekend.”

McElrea will be on track starting Friday, July 19 at 3:00pm ET for Practice 1. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto will go green on Sunday, July 21 at 1:30pm ET and will be broadcast live on Peacock from 1pm ET