Madison, IL. (Sunday, August 27, 2023)-  After a long rain delay and challenging practice conditions, a promising start turned into a heartbreaking finish for James Roe in Saturday’s INDY NXT™ by Firestone Outfront Showdown.

Due to stormy conditions all day, the race was delayed into the evening with the grid set by championship points.At the green flag under the lights, Roe surged ahead to gain positions, settling into  fourth in his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport machine. After holding that position for much of the race, the car started to experience tire issues. Despite dropping through the field to attempt to save tires, Roe made contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 on Lap 56 – ultimately retiring the No. 29.

“It’s not the way we wanted to end the night,” Roe said. “We had a really good start, and we were running forward for the majority of the race. Then, suddenly, we just started losing the right rear, and I couldn’t lean on the car at all. Eventually, it caught us out. We will focus forward and regroup for the next race in Portland.”

The Irish driver remains in seventh place in the championship with 274 points for his partners Topcon, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation, The Ireland Funds, and GAAPP.

One of the most consistent drivers in the series with eight top-ten finishes and four top-five finishes, Roe looks to charge back next weekend at the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland on Sunday, Sept. 3 at Portland International Raceway.

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

Points Position: 7

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