ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Thursday, March 7, 2024) – Following an off-season of focused preparation, Irish driver James Roe is poised to chase a championship in his sophomore season at Andretti Global piloting the No. 29 Topcon Dallara in the INDY NXT™ by Firestone series.

Although inclement weather impacted some of official off-season testing, Roe and the No. 29 team made the most of their on-track opportunities – drawing on and building from the experiences of the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone season which saw Roe finish 7th in the championship standings.

“Even with limited track time, testing was extremely productive for us,” said the driver. “We ran different set-ups, we pushed each other and the car, and we ultimately showed great pace – running at the front throughout.”

Roe is poised to put that preparation to the test this weekend as the season kicks off in the Sunshine State on the Streets of St. Petersburg – a 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit incorporating downtown thoroughfares and a section of runway of Albert Whitted Airport. With five full course yellows during the 2023 event, the track promises to be a worthy first test for Roe and his counterparts.

“I can’t wait to get to St. Pete and showcase all the work that’s been put in this off-season. We’re ready to get back on track and utilize what we’ve been training for.”

The 25-year-old driver looks to start his season on the podium as he proudly represents partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds across his livery, kit, and helmet.

“We’re here to fight up front and get points on the board. Let’s get this Championship going!”

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Season: Race 1 of 14

Race Info: Sunday, March 10 (10:00 a.m. ET) 

Track: Streets of St. Petersburg (1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit)

Other Sessions: Practice 1 – Friday, March 8 (1:35 p.m. ET); Practice 2 – Saturday, March 9 (8:25 a.m. ET); Qualifying – Saturday, March 9 (1:05 p.m. ET)

Broadcast: Race – Live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network (U.S.), INDYCAR Live! (outside of U.S.). Practice/Qualifying – Live on INDYCAR Live!, INDYCAR Radio Network (globally). Sky F1 (UK/Ireland/Northern Ireland).

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana

Age: 25

2024 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Global Dallara

Social: X –@jamesroe_IE; FB – @JamesRoeJr, IG – @jamesroe_ie