PORTLAND, Ore. (Monday, August 26, 2024) – Though held in The City of Roses, Sunday’s INDY NXT™ by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland and its infamous first turn had only thorns for James Roe and the No. 29 Topcon entry of Andretti Global.   

The Irish driver pushed the pace across two practices to start the weekend, finishing Practice 2 fourth fastest leading into Saturday evening’s qualifying. Roe translated that speed into a strong qualifying effort for the No. 29 Topcon squad, notching a lap that secured P3 on the grid.

Roe and his team came ready to maximize the strong starting position on race day, but their opportunities were scuttled on Lap 1 as the No. 29 suffered damage during multi-car mayhem in Portland’s infamously chaotic Turn 1. Despite falling to the rear of the field with damage, Roe continued to keep his No. 29 Topcon machine on the lead lap until being hit from behind by the No. 76 Dallara on Lap 8 in an incident that drew the race’s sole caution. Further damaged, Roe took the No. 29 to pit lane for repairs before rejoining the race multiple laps down.

“It was just mayhem at the start. I got hit going into Turn 1 and that forced us to have to take the escape road,” reflected a frustrated Roe. “From there, we were at the back of the field with a damaged car from the contact. Starts here are always crazy, and that was the case again this year. It’s unfortunate because we had loads of pace yet again, but we’ll just have to take it back to the ovals in Milwaukee next week.”

Always resilient, Roe and his No. 29 team – representing partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds – will regroup and return ready to fight next weekend in Milwaukee at the penultimate race of the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season.

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 25

2024 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Global Dallara

Points Position: 8

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