By: Spencer Neff
October 26, 2023

Seven weeks after the checkered flag dropped on the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, teams are hard at work making preparations for the 2024 season.

On Monday, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced Pietro Fittipaldi as the driver of the No. 30 for the upcoming season.

This week, two more teams announced updates on their plans for the next season.

Ilott and Juncos Hollinger Racing part ways

On Thursday afternoon, Juncos Hollinger Racing and Callum Ilott announced their mutual decision to part ways. Ilott, who made his debut in the series at Portland in 2021, has made 36 starts in the series. His best finish was fifth at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 5. During the 2022 finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, he earned a carer-best start of second.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Juncos Hollinger Racing for the opportunity to be part of their team,” Ilott shared in Thursday’s announcement.

“I have immense respect for the organization, and our time together has been a valuable experience. I look forward to exploring new opportunities and challenges in my racing career.”

JHR previously announced that Agustin Canapino will return for the 2024 season in the No. 78 car.

“While it is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Callum Ilott,” said Ricardo Juncos, co-owner of Juncos Hollinger Racing,

“I would like to express my gratitude to Callum for all of his efforts during his time with our team, and we deeply appreciate his contributions. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Callum has shown immense talent, and we have no doubt that he will continue to make his mark in the world of motorsport.”

Juncos Hollinger Racing made their first INDYCAR start in 2017 at the Indianapolis 500 with Spencer Pigot and Sebastian Saavedra. They have won seven championships across IndyCar’s feeder series.

“While we bid farewell to Callum as a driver for Juncos Hollinger Racing, we wish him every success in his next chapter,” JHR Co-Owner Brad Hollinger added.

“We have no doubt that his talent and determination will continue to shine.”

Both JHR and Ilott will announce their 2024 plans at a later time.

Ed Carpenter racing signs Christian Rasmussen

On Wednesday morning, 2023 Indy NXT Champion Christian Rasmussen was confirmed for his INDYCAR debut. The Copenhagen, Denmark native will drive the No. 20 on road and street courses for the 2024 season, as well as a third ECR entry at the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbrdge.

Rasmussen, who earned the 2023 championship as part of HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing, joins Rinus VeeKay, the full-time driver of the No. 21. Car Owner Ed Carpenter will contest the oval races in the No. 20 car.

“I am very excited to join Ed Carpenter Racing for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season!” Rasmussen exclaimed in Wednesday’s release.

“It is a dream come true and something I’ve been working towards for a long time now. I want to thank Ed Carpenter and (ECR President) Tim Broyles for the opportunity and I’m ready to get to work and show everyone what we can do!”

Rasmussen won five races during his title season and seven during his INDY NXT career. He also earned championships driving the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 (USF Pro 2000) and 2020 USF2000 Championship.

“Christian is a driver that has really stood out during his climb through the Road to Indy program and he showed his ability to be a real closer in the second half of his INDY NXT championship run,” Carpenter noted.

“He did an excellent job when we tested him at Barber Motorsports Park last month and showed that he is fully ready to take the next step into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. We are excited to add him to our lineup and we are anticipating a successful 2024 season!” 

“Christian is someone we have had our eye on for quite a while,” Broyles added.

“He has proven that he is qualified to be a part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and we are pleased that Ed Carpenter Racing is able to provide him with this well-deserved opportunity.”

Header Image By Chris Jones/INDYCAR