08 Jul 2024
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July 8, 2024

Roe Resilient at Mid-Ohio

LEXINGTON, Ohio (Monday, July 8, 2024) – Thirty-five laps on the tight lines of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course offered a great show of speed, though not the result Irish driver James Roe pushed for as the No. 29 Topcon team completed the ninth round of the INDY NXT™ by Firestone season.   

After an electrical issue limited the No. 29’s laps in Practice 1, Roe – with a screw surgically set in his hand less than two weeks ago – came out strong in Practice 2 finishing seventh on the speed charts. Unfortunately, that practice pace didn’t transfer to Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session as balance struggles relegated the car to a qualifying position near the rear of the field.   

After strategic adjustments, the No. 29 Topcon machine started strong on race day, quickly advancing from 17th to 12th position. While continuing to fight forward, the No. 29 was contacted on Lap 8 resulting in damage that required a trip to the pit for a wing change – eventually landing Roe and team a lap down. Despite the setback, Roe continued to push, matching the race leaders’ pace while notching the sixth fastest lap of the race and top two times in multiple sectors. 

“It was a frustrating day,” said Roe. “Obviously, contact with your teammate is never what we want as a team, but that’s what happened. I had to pit to replace the front wing and that put me a lap down. Overall the No. 29 Topcon machine was mega, so thanks to the team for that. We were super strong all day and made big gains from qualifying, so we just have to take the positives from today’s pace and move on to the next.”

Roe and his No. 29 team, representing partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds, trade the cornfields of the Buckeye State for the cornfields of the Hawkeye State as they take on the the first oval of the season at Iowa Speedway on July 13 (2:10 p.m. ET). 

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 25

2024 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Global Dallara

Points Position: 9

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

04 Jul 2024
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July 4, 2024

Repaired Roe Ready for Mid-Ohio  

LEXINGTON, Ohio (Thursday, July 4, 2024) – After an eventful off week, Irish driver James Roe and his No. 29 Topcon team take their talents to the narrow racing ribbon of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the ninth round of this season’s INDY NXT™ by Firestone Championship.

Since the Detroit Grand Prix the first weekend of June, Roe has battled a right hand injury sustained when the wheel snapped back during contact on a pass in the hairpin. Following continued discomfort after a physically demanding doubleheader at Laguna Seca, Roe was diagnosed with a scaphoid fracture and immediately underwent a surgical procedure placing a screw to stabilize the bone. Under the expert care of his medical team and with the added support of a custom carbon fiber brace, Roe is ready to tackle the unique and varied challenges of Mid-Ohio less than two weeks post-procedure.

“I’m so appreciative of the medical team at INDYCAR and Dr. Usmani who have worked together to ensure I can get back to racing quickly and safely,” said Roe. “While I’ve been focused on healing, the Andretti team has been working hard to make sure we have a fast No. 29 Topcon machine for this weekend. I can’t wait to get out on the track.”

Currently tenth in the Championship standings, Roe is chasing a strong points day for partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds on the 13-turn, natural-terrain course at Mid-Ohio.

 

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio

Season: Race 9 of 14

Race: Sunday, July 7 (11:25 a.m. ET)

Track: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.258-mile, 13-turn permanent road course)

Other Sessions: Practice 1 – Friday, July 5 (2:05 p.m. ET); Practice 2 – Saturday, July 6 (9:40 a.m. ET); Qualifying – Saturday, July 6 (2:05 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 

24 Jun 2024
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June 24, 2024

Top Five for Roe at Laguna

SALINAS, Calif.  (Monday, June 24, 2024) – The technical, physically-demanding terrain of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca brought both success and heartache for Irish driver James Roe as his No. 29 Topcon team took on an INDY NXT™ by Firestone doubleheader in The Golden State.   

On the acclaimed 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course, Roe showed pace and poise across both practices, ultimately securing 7th place grid positions for both races during Saturday’s qualifying session. 

In Race 1, the No. 29 Topcon entry battled traffic at the start, falling a few positions on the opening lap before starting to methodically climb back. Roe consistently kept the car in the top 10 while hunting for positions across the circuit’s rolling terrain. Coming into the final lap in 6th position, the Irish driver set-up and executed a Turn 1 pass on the No. 99 to secure a spot in the Top 5.  

“We needed that result,” said Roe following Saturday’s race. “We got boxed in a bit at the start, which made our race a little tougher than it had to be. We worked on our time, trusted the car, and let the race come to us. Happy to get a good points day for the No. 29 Topcon crew.”

Coming off of Saturday’s strong result, Roe was poised to fight for position again in Race 2, but his No. 29 machine experienced a mechanical issue that forced him off-track on Lap 25. Though Roe was able to safely navigate the car back to pit lane, the crew determined that repairs were not feasible in the laps remaining, forcing the early retirement of the No. 29 Topcon team. 

“It was an unfortunate race for us today with a mechanical issue at the halfway point – that put us out of it,” said Roe on Sunday afternoon. “As fighters do, we’ll dig in and come back strong in two weeks.”

Following an off week, Roe and his No. 29 team, representing partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds, will race into the Buckeye State for the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 7 (11:25 a.m. 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 

20 Jun 2024
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June 20, 2024

Roe Prepared for a West Coast Doubleheader

Salinas, Calif. (Wednesday, June 19, 2024) – Following a week off, the INDY NXT™ by Firestone Championship heads to the West Coast for a doubleheader on the famously rolling terrain of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

In racing the challenging circuit for the first time last season – where the doubleheader weekend marked the season finale – driver James Roe and his No. 29 Topcon machine consistently ran in the top 10 across both races. An international icon, the 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course boasts 300 feet of elevation changes and is highlighted by the Andretti Hairpin and the world-famous Corkscrew chicane.    

“Luck hasn’t been on our side lately, but we’re ready to change that,” said Roe, looking forward to the weekend. “This is a fast-paced, technical track and we’re bringing a fast No. 29 Topcon machine that’s up to the challenge. Laguna is the ‘home track’ for our partner Topcon and I’m looking forward to getting out on the circuit to show our pace this weekend.”

At the halfway mark of the season, the Irishman and his team look to notch two points-rich finishes for partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds in The Golden State.

 

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 1 & Race 2

Season: Races 7 and 8 of 14

Race 1: Saturday, June 22 (3:35 p.m. ET)

Race 2: Sunday, June 23 (4:05 p.m. ET)

Track: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course)

Other Sessions: Practice 1 – Friday, June 21 (4:10 p.m. ET); Practice 2 – Friday, June 21 (6:40 p.m. ET); Qualifying – Saturday, June 22 (12:00 p.m. ET)

Broadcast: Races – 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 

10 Jun 2024
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June 10, 2024

Early Contact Mars Race for Roe

Elkhart Lake, Wis. (Monday, June 10, 2024) – A trip to Elkhart Lake brought a change of scenery – though not the desired change of fortune – for Irish driver James Roe as he and his INDY NXT™ by Firestone counterparts took on the challenging curves of America’s National Park of Speed.  

Roe came out fast in both practice sessions, laying down laps that secured fourth place in Practice 1 and third place in Practice 2. After waiting out a rain delay, Roe’s qualifying effort was scuttled by a drive-through penalty and a red flag for the session which kept Roe from improving his lap time, resigning him to a starting spot at the rear of the field.

That streak of misfortune followed Roe to race day as the No. 29 Topcon machine – having gained several positions on the start – was hit from behind and pushed off track by the No. 39 car. With the nose cone sheared off, a necessary trip to pits left the No. 29 a lap down for the remainder of the race resulting in an 18th place finish.

“We worked our way forward at the start, but got hit from behind and taken out in Turn 7,” reflected Roe. “Our race was done at that point. We went a lap down right away and just couldn’t recover. We have incredible speed everywhere we go – just need to catch a little luck here soon. Onto the next.”

Roe and the No. 29 team, representing partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds, have a week off to regroup before the INDY NXT by Firestone series heads west to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for a doubleheader weekend on June 22 (3:35 p.m. ET) and June 23 (4:05 p.m. ET).

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 25

2024 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Global Dallara

Points Position: 11

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

06 Jun 2024
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June 6, 2024

Roe Returns to Road America  

Elkhart Lake, Wis. (Thursday, June 6, 2024) – After a weekend in the concrete canyons of Detroit, Irish racer James Roe is ready for a change of scenery, but not a change of his No. 29 Topcon Dallara’s fast pace, on the park-like grounds of America’s National Park of Speed for the INDY NXT™ by Firestone Grand Prix at Road America.

Established in 1955, Road America’s storied four-mile, 14-turn road circuit is known for both pace and action that is beautifully backdropped by 640 acres of wooded grounds. On a course that has challenged the world’s best racers for over 50 years, Roe notched a top five finish in last year’s event after an impressive run through the field from P10. Elkhart Lake also holds a deeper significance for Roe as it’s where he first arrived in America as an 18 year old with two suitcases and the relentless determination to forge a professional racing career. 

“Road America is one of my favorites and is the town that I first lived in when I moved to America in 2018,” shared Roe. “So, this place is special to me and makes me excited to get out there again to go racing. We were up in the top five at last year’s race, so hopefully the No. 29 Topcon crew and I get up to the top again.”

On the legendary road circuit, the No. 29 car’s rear wing will prominently feature the Walbec Group – a Wisconsin-based family of construction companies and key client of Topcon Positioning Systems.

Drawing on his experience and a quick No. 29 Topcon Dallara, Roe looks to net a strong Sunday points haul for partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds at America’s National Park of Speed. 

 

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix at Road America

Season: Race 6 of 14

Race Info: Sunday, June 9 (1:15 p.m. ET) 

Track: Road America (4-mile, 14-turn permanent road course)

Other Sessions: Practice 1 – Friday, June 7 (2:50 p.m. ET); Practice 2 – Saturday, June 8 (10:00 a.m. ET); Qualifying – Saturday, June 8 (2:30 p.m. ET)

Broadcast: Races – 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 

03 Jun 2024
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June 3, 2024

Roe Battles in Detroit

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 

31 May 2024
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May 31, 2024

Roe Geared Up for the Motor City

Detroit, Mich. (Thursday, May 30, 2024) – James Roe is ready to make his own mark on the Motor City’s rich racing history as he tackles this weekend’s INDY NXT™ by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix on a bumpy and physically challenging course through the Streets of Detroit.

The revamped Detroit Grand Prix weekend will feature three full days of activities and celebration on some of Detroit’s most popular and active Downtown areas, including racing on a new 1.645-mile, nine-turn street circuit along Jefferson Avenue, Bates Street, Atwater Street, St. Antoine, Franklin Street and Rivard.

“Detroit was good to us last year and I’m looking forward to getting back,” said Roe. “It’s a super technical track and really pushes you as a driver. Last year, our car was fast, which allowed us to execute well, and I know the Andretti team has what it takes to bring the No. 29 Topcon Dallara up to winning form.” 

The No. 29 car livery will feature Iafrate Construction – a Michigan-based heavy civil construction company and key client of Topcon Positioning Systems – prominently on the rear wing as it races against the backdrop of the Detroit skyline.

Having qualified less than one tenth of a second off the pole in his last outing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, Roe looks to capitalize on the pace of the No. 29 machine to secure a strong Championship points haul in Detroit for his team and partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds. 

 

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix

Season: Race 5 of 14

Race Info: Sunday, June 2 (10:30 a.m. ET) 

Track: Streets of Detroit (1.645-mile, 9-turn street course)

Other Sessions: Practice 1 – Friday, May 31 (1:50 p.m. ET); Practice 2 – Saturday, June 1 (8:00 a.m. ET); Qualifying – Saturday, June 1 (11:20 a.m. ET)

Broadcast: Races – 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 

13 May 2024
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May 13, 2024

Top Four for Roe at Indy

Indianapolis, Ind. (Sunday, May 12, 2024) – Wearing a racing helmet mirroring the striking gold football helmets of the University of Notre Dame, Irish driver James Roe and his No. 29 Topcon Dallara continued to show speed across a two-day INDY NXT™ by Firestone doubleheader on the road course at The Racing Capital of the World. 

After a single practice on Friday morning, Roe fought for pole position in the afternoon qualifying session – where a driver’s fastest lap dictated their Race 1 starting position and their second fastest lap marked their Race 2 grid slot. Roe notched the two second fastest laps in qualifying Group 2, less than one tenth from the pole. Under 2024’s new qualifying rules, Roe’s qualifying effort locked in a 3rd place grid position for both races.

Just hours after qualifying, Roe made a quick run to the front in Race 1 – surging into second position moments after the green flag dropped. Unfortunately, a lock-up later in the opening lap would send the No. 29 off course requiring a trip to the pits to address tire damage. The No. 29 team would finish the day in 15th.      

“That one was on me,” offered Roe after the race. “We had a great qualifying position starting on the inside of the second row. Going into Turn 7, I locked up my fronts, went straight and got a flat spot on my tires. Tomorrow’s a new day and we have a fast car. Ready to get back to it and see what we can do.” 

Ready for redemption in Race 2, Roe and his No. 29 Topcon machine survived contact during a chaotic start as well as Lap 4 contact with the No. 39 car – starting a battle that continued to the checkered flag. Racing in 4th position, Roe showed poise and race management as he fended off challengers while chasing down the car ahead and the opportunity for a podium. Roe’s gritty drive was rewarded with a 4th place finish and 32 important championship points. 

“We had a messy start after getting hit and knocked out of position so we had to climb our way back forward,” reflected Roe. “I think the pace was awesome and it was a hard fought fourth position. I don’t think I ever fought so hard for a top-five finish. Now we’re onto Detroit.”

Coming out of the weekend, Roe continues to hold a tie for P7 in the championship for his team and partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds. 

After a break for the iconic Month of May events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDY NXT by Firestone will be back in action in the Motor City on June 2 (10:20 AM ET) as the series roars onto the Streets of Detroit.

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 25

2024 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Global Dallara

Points Position: T7

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

08 May 2024
News Permalink
May 8, 2024

Roe Carries Momentum to Indy Doubleheader  

Indianapolis, Ind. (Wednesday, May 8, 2024) – Coming off a podium finish in Alabama, James Roe is eager to capitalize on his momentum during this weekend’s INDY NXT™ by Firestone doubleheader at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

The Irish driver is no stranger to success at the Racing Capital of the World having piloted his No. 29 Topcon machine to a front row start and a 2nd place finish on the challenging, 14-turn road course last season.

“After securing a podium in Barber, I’m ready to get back to work and hopefully do the same this weekend in Indianapolis,” said Roe. “Last time I was here in August, we did a front row lockout, and I got my first podium with Andretti INDY NXT. I feel confident on this track and know that the No. 29 Topcon Dallara is fast enough to get us up there on the grid.”

For the IMS race weekend, Roe has teamed up with another famous Indiana institution, the University of Notre Dame, to run a racing helmet mirroring the iconic gold football helmets of the Fighting Irish – a classic touchstone of the University.

“It’s a privilege to wear the gold helmet that has meant so much to generations of Notre Dame football fans – myself included. I’m proud to represent the indomitable spirit shared by the Fighting Irish community in Indiana, in Ireland and across the globe,” noted Roe in the partnership announcement.

Partners who usually appear on the helmet will move onto the car livery for the weekend, including an Ireland.com placement that pays homage to the famous Jordan 191 F1 livery. 

Currently tied for 7th in the championship standings, Roe looks to capitalize on his experience at Indy to the benefit of his team and partners Topcon, Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, Strong Roots, Trintech, Tourism Ireland, and The Ireland Funds. 

 

ABOUT THE EVENT

Event: INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Races 1 & 2

Season: Races 3 and 4 of 14

Race 1 Info: Friday, May 10 (6:20 p.m. ET)

Race 2 Info: Saturday, May 11 (1:10 p.m. ET)  

Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (2.439-mile, 14-turn road course)

Other Sessions: Practice 1 – Friday, May 10 (11:05 a.m. ET); Qualifying – Friday, May 10 (2:30 p.m. ET)

Broadcast: Races – 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