August 19, 2025 — INDY NXT driver James Roe is proud to welcome Merlo America as an official sponsor, beginning with the upcoming Milwaukee Mile event and continuing into a full-season partnership for 2026.

This weekend’s race will be the debut for Merlo America on Roe’s Andretti Global ride. Beyond the circuit, Roe will also connect with Merlo America’s network of dealers and customers at CONEXPO 2026, North America’s largest construction trade show held in Las Vegas between March 3-7, 2026.

“Merlo America’s commitment to innovation and performance mirrors James’s own unstoppable approach to racing,” said Cole Renken, General Manager for Merlo America. “We hope that having our support, starting at Milwaukee and building into next season, will be a welcome boost as James pushes for victories and continues climbing the ladder toward INDYCAR.” 

The announcement comes as Roe competes in his third season of INDY NXT by Firestone, where he has already achieved multiple podiums, a pole position, and a lap record. In addition to his open-wheel campaign with Andretti Global, Roe is participating in select IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events with Pratt Miller Motorsports.

Backed by over 60 years of innovation and craftsmanship, Merlo America represents the Merlo Group in the U.S. market, and through this collaboration with Roe and his racing partners, the brand is set to reach an even broader audience across North America.

“I’m super excited to team up with Merlo America for the Milwaukee race and beyond,” said Roe. “Their commitment to innovation, technology and excellence really resonates with me. I believe that together, we can push boundaries and elevate each other both on and off the race track”

Roe’s determination and winning mindset have made a strong impression on the motorsport community, showcasing both his talent behind the wheel and his relentless drive to succeed. The Merlo America team is excited to stand trackside in Milwaukee, cheering James on and celebrating their first race of the partnership.

“At Merlo America, we pride ourselves on machines that elevate, and we look forward to supporting Roe, a motorsport star who expertly accelerates on some of the world’s fastest tracks. This partnership is raising performance to a new level, both on the job site and the podium, and is the start of something remarkable,” Jennifer Brigman, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Merlo America.

The two-day race weekend will feature a busy Saturday, with a morning practice (9 a.m. ET, FS2) that leads into single-car qualifying (3:30 p.m. ET, FS2). Sunday’s 90-lap race will air on FS1 starting at 11:30 a.m. ET. SiriusXM will also host live IndyCar Radio coverage of all sessions on XM Ch. 218. At last year’s Milwaukee event, Roe qualified and finished P6, to add to his multiple top-ten finishes for the season.

For more information about Merlo America, visit www.merloamerica.com, and to follow James Roe’s racing journey, visit www.jamesroejr.com.

Media Contact: 

Liza Markle

liza@jamesroejr.com