NEWTON, Iowa. (Wednesday, July 10, 2024) – After a season packed with storied road courses and challenging street circuits, James Roe and his No. 29 Topcon team roll thru the Iowa cornfields and onto “The World’s Fastest Short Track” for the first of four ovals on this season’s INDY NXT™ by Firestone calendar.

Though just .875 miles and boasting laps under 18 seconds, Iowa Speedway drives like a much bigger track – offering a physical and mental challenge to drivers. With a recent test day rained out and just one practice before qualifying, Roe will rely on his experience to navigate the unique demands of Iowa’s newly partially re-paved tri-oval.   

“I’m excited for the first oval of the year in Iowa,” noted Roe, “especially since we had a good qualifying and race run last time we were out there. We qualified in the second row on the grid and got a top 10, so we’ll work to turn a good qualifying into a strong result this weekend.”

Ready to turn left all weekend, the Irish driver and his No. 29 Topcon team seek to take home a points haul for partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, Celebrity Coaches, and The Ireland Funds in this final contest before the month-long Olympic break.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Iowa 100

Season: Race 10 of 14

Race: Saturday, July 13 (2:15 p.m. ET)

Track: Iowa Speedway (.875 mile tri-oval)

Other Sessions: Practice – Friday, July 12 (2:00 p.m. ET); Qualifying – Friday, July 12 (6:30 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: IG – @jamesroe_ie, X – @jamesroe_IE, FB – @JamesRoeJr