By: Spencer Neff
March 5, 2024

In three days, the NTT IndyCar Series will take on the street circuit in St. Petersburg for the opening round of the 2024 season.

After six months away, there have been changes up and down the paddock. Before Friday’s Practice 1, here’s a look at some of the big preseason headlines.

What’s Next for Team Ganassi ?

2023 saw Chip Ganassi Racing return to the top of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings.

Alex Palou earned his second championship in three seasons while teammate Scott Dixon finished second, CGR’s first 1-2 championship finish since 2009.

Despite forgoing the oval races last season, Marcus Armstrong gave the team its third Rookie of the Year win and first since Juan Pablo Montoya’s 1999 championship season in CART. This year, Armstrong will contest all races on the schedule.

Joining Armstrong, Dixon and Palou will be rookies Linus Lundqvist and Kyffin Simpson as CGR expands to five cars, something they’ve only previously done in 2015.

Palou, who signed a multi-year deal to remain at Ganassi after nearly leaving for Arrow McLaren, also extended Ganassi’s Indianapolis 500 pole streak to three.

New Lineups Aplenty

Of the series’ 10 full-time teams, only Team Penske returns its 2023 lineup with no changes (Josef Newgarden, Will Power and Scott McLaughlin).

Ganassi will have two new drivers for 2024 as mentioned, while 2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Marcus Ericsson joins the rebranded Andretti Global with Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood.

Romain Grosjean will drive the No. 77 for Juncos Hollinger Racing after two seasons with Andretti.

David Malukas joins Arrow McLaren but will miss the opening round of the year due to a broken hand from a mountain biking accident. Callum Ilott will drive the No. 6 entry this weekend.

2023 Indy NXT by Firestone champion Christian Rasmussen will contest the road and street courses for Ed Carpenter Racing in the No. 20 and joins the organization for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Meyer Shank Racing will feature an all-new lineup with rookie Tom Blomqvist making the switch from Sports Cars and Felix Rosenqvist joining after three seasons with Arrow McLaren. Helio Castroneves will be with the team as a minority owner and will drive in his 24th Indianapolis 500 in search of a record-breaking fifth win.

Santino Ferrucci returns to A.J. Foyt Racing and is joined by Sting Ray Robb.

After partial seasons in 2018 and 2021, Pietro Fittipaldi will drive the No. 30 car for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Dale Coyne Racing will feature a rotating lineup in both entries. Jack Harvey and Nolan Siegel will drive the No. 18 entry while Colin Braun pilots the No. 51 (run in partnership with Rick Ware Racing) for the first two races, with additional races TBA. (A story detailing the 2024 rookie class will be up tomorrow).

Hybrid Introduction Looms

One of the major stories expected for 2024 was the implementation of hybrid technology for the 2.2-liter V6 engines, including onboard starters.

Following nine tests in a three-month span, INDYCAR officials made the decision to delay the introduction of the hybrid until after the Indianapolis 500.

“The partnership between Chevrolet and Honda has been phenomenal,” INDYCAR PresidentJay Frye said in a December 7 press release.

“The INDYCAR-specific hybrid power unit is dynamic and an engineering marvel,and we’re completely committed to its successful introduction next season.

When the hybrid technology officially enters the series, it will have a profound impact on the series.

Oval Returns cap 2024 season

In addition to the $1 Million Challenge at Thermal Club slated for March 24, two ovals will make their return to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar.

Like Iowa Speedway, the Milwaukee Mile will host a doubleheader of 250-lap races. The historic oval in West Alis, Wisconsin will have its first INDYCAR race since 2015.

Following logistical issues regarding its planned season finale on the redesigned Nashville street circuit, INDYCAR announced the September 15 finale will move to the Nashville Superspeedway in nearby Lebanon. The 1.33-mile oval has not hosted an INDYCAR event since 2008.

Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR