Portland, Ore. (Monday, September 4, 2023)- The INDY NXT™ by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland started with a bang as a chaotic chain-reaction collision in turn one of lap one collected many strong cars – including the No. 29 Topcon machine of James Roe. . Though contact from behind spun his car, Roe was able to get restarted and rejoin the remaining field.

Having started 12th, the 24-year old battled throughout the 35 lap race to improve four positions and finish eight – all while managing rear diffuser damage from the lap one contact.

“I got taken out at the start of the race after I got hit from behind, so I fell straight to the back of the pack,” Roe said. “Eventually we were able to work our way up to P8, so I’m glad that I was able to keep going even with some rear diffuser damage. So, from here let’s move forward to Laguna and finish out these last two races.”

Roe’s finish marked his ninth top-ten of the season. With the result, Roe has secured 298 points for his partners Topcon, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation, The Ireland Funds, and GAAPP. The Irish driver sits tied sixth in the championship standings.

The INDY NXT by Firestone series heads to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to close the season with a  doubleheader – the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Races 1 and 2 on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 respectively.

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

Points Position: 8

Social: @jamesroe_ie (Instagram), @jamesroe_IE (Twitter), @JamesRoeJr (Facebook)