Detroit, Mich. (Monday, June 3, 2024) – Slick conditions made an already tight and technical track a true street fight as the INDY NXT™ by Firestone series took to the downtown streets of the Motor City on Sunday. 

Irish driver James Roe showed strong pace in both practice sessions – ultimately notching the second fastest lap in Practice 2. Roe was on track to secure the top spot in qualifying Group 1, but while on a flying lap fighting for a front row grid position, Roe’s No. 29 Topcon Dallara made contact with the tire barrier. The incident ended his session early and reverted him to his second quickest lap time, resulting in a 10th place starting spot for Sunday’s race.  

On race day, Roe and his No. 29 Topcon Dallara survived multiple on-track incidents and a three position blocking penalty to run in the top 10 despite a damaged front wing. Unfortunately, a crash on Lap 42 ended Roe’s day and resulted in a 16th place finish.   

“Obviously not an ideal race today,” said Roe. “We had a good start but got called for blocking and had to give three spots back. Then we were settling in and making our way back to where we were running until the last restart where we just lost the rear into another car. We’ve had the speed every weekend and our full focus is on maintaining and executing it from here forward. Ready to regroup and come back strong at Road America.”

Next up, Roe and his No. 29 team, representing partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds, heads to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin as the INDY NXT by Firestone series takes on America’s National Park of Speed on June 9 (1:05 PM ET).

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 25

2024 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Global Dallara

Points Position: 10

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