Detroit, MI. (Sunday, June 4, 2023)– Ireland’s James Roe continued to showcase his experience and consistency the INDY NXT™ by Firestone championship with two top-ten finishes in this weekend’s challenging doubleheader on the streets of Detroit. Roe drove his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport beautifully on Sunday to finish sixth in the second race of the INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader.

After two races around the 1.7 mile, 9-turn street circuit, Roe sits ninth in the championship standing with 117 points – with just 6 points separating him from teammate Louis Foster in 6th place After an unfortunate mechanical issue in the season opener, the 24-year-old has delivered four straight top-ten finishes for his partners Topcon, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation and The Ireland Funds.

In race one,a full course caution after the first corner made for a dramatic start to the event – including front wing damage for Roe. Despite that damage,, Roe made a gritty drive to improve from his starting position of 13th to sixth place by lap seven..Contact with Danial Frost on lap 22 caused further challenges for the No. 29 Topcon machine with damage to the rear diffuser. Drawing on his deep experience, Roe powered through to hold onto a 10th place finish in his damaged car.

“We just hung in there, it was a crazy race,” Roe said. “Got hit in the start and lost the front wing but decided not to pit and to just persevere. All things considered, with no front wing and a damaged rear diffuser, they were still good points.”

Race 2 offered a clean slate and repaired machine for Roe. Starting 11th, he avoided collisions which brought out two full course cautions. Roe showed his patience and strategic prowess as he , capitalized on others’ mistakes on the tricky Detroit circuit to gain positions and secure a sixth place finish.

“It was a clean race and that is what we wanted,” Roe said. “It’s just so hard to pass around here. Once we got by the drivers in front of us, we dropped them and caught up with the guys in front. There is a lot of pace there and we just have to keep moving forward.”

The INDY NXT series sees action again on Sunday, June 18 at Road America  in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

Points Position:9

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

Detroit, MI. (Thursday, June 1, 2023)– After 32 years away from the historic streets of Detroit, the INDYCAR SERIES is back on a new circuit with two races this weekend for the INDY NXT™ by Firestone championship.

James Roe looks to add to his own legacy with a strong performance in what should be an intense and physical INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader in The Motor City – where INDYCAR boasts over a century of racing heritage.

Roe sets out to be the fourth different driver to top the podium in the thrilling 2023 INDY NXT season, as he navigates the 1.7 mile, 9-turn street circuit along Jefferson Avenue, Bates Street, Atwater Street, St. Antoine, Franklin Street and Rivard.

“I’m really looking forward to Detroit this weekend,” said Roe. “It’s a big weekend for us given it is our first double header of the season so a lot of points up for grabs and a new track for all. Our momentum has been building and we look forward to continuing that this weekend!”

Roe is chasing another championship points haul for his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport team and partners Topcon, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation, and The Ireland Funds.  He currently sits 9th in the championship standings – just five points behind Jacob Abel and teammate Louis Foster.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Race: INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix Race 1 and 2

Season: Race 4 and 5 of 14

Date: Race 1: 11:55 a.m. ET Saturday, June 3

Race 2: 12:40 p.m. ET Sunday, June 4

Track: Downtown Detroit Street Circuit (9-turn, 1.7-mile street circuit)

Other Sessions: Practice, 1:50-2:40 p.m. ET Friday, June 2. Qualifying Race 1, 5:30-5:45 p.m. Friday, June 2. Qualifying Race 2, 5:50-6:05 p.m.

Broadcast: Race live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network (U.S.), INDYCAR Live! (outside of U.S.). Practice and qualifying on INDYCAR Live!, INDYCAR Radio Network (globally). Sky F1 UK (Europe).

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

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

Indianapolis, Ind. (Monday, May 15, 2023)– James Roe continues to show why he’s among Ireland’s best. After qualifying a season-best eighth on Friday, Roe pushed his pace on race day, piloting his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara to a seventh place finish over the yard of bricks. This strong drive around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course was his second straight top ten finish in the INDY NXT™ by Firestone season.

Earning 28 points for the finish, the 24-year-old rises to ninth in the championship standings  for his partners in Topcon Positioning Systems, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation and The Ireland Funds. 

“It was a clean race, I moved forward at the start,” Roe said. “The pace is so close in this championship right now that there wasn’t a lot going on once the race settled in. I think there was only one pass in the whole field in front of me throughout the 35 laps. So I settled in and focused on collecting more points. I’m really proud of the #29 crew, we had a few little issues over the weekend and they dug deep and got everything sorted for our race.” 

Roe will look to take his strong form into the double header on the streets of Detroit on June 3 and 4. The Irishman sits just  five points behind teammate Louis Foster in seventh and Jacob Abel in eighth who each have 74 points. 

Roe concluded – “We’re getting there on where we want to be pace wise and we moved up the championship order so we need to keep building”.

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

Points Position:9

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

Indianapolis, Ind. (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)- The INDY NXTTM by Firestone season stops at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a thrilling race at Barber Motorsports Park two weeks ago. The timing couldn’t be better for James Roe as he looks to continue his strong form across the yard of bricks after an impressive showing at Barber.

Roe avoided the numerous incidents at Barber to record a clean race. The 24-year-old Irishman improved in the points standings through two races after his first top five finish of the season.

Roe looks to put another clean weekend together in his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara around the 14 turn, 2.4 mile IMS road course which includes portions of turns 1 and 2 from the iconic oval.

“I’m excited to get to IMS this weekend and kick off the iconic month of May here in Indy,” Roe said. “Indianapolis is home for me here in the U.S. so we’re aiming for a strong run at my ‘home track’ and to continue the momentum we built at Barber.”

Five different drivers have been on the podium through two races in the INDY NXTTM by Firestone season. Roe looks to increase that number and add his name to over 100 years of history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

ABOUT THIS RACE
Race: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix
Season: Race 3 of 14
Date: 1:00 p.m. ET Saturday, May 13
Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (14-turn, 2.4-mile road course)
Other Sessions: Practice, 11-11:50 a.m. ET Friday, May 12. Qualifying, 2:20-2:40 p.m. Friday, May 12.
Broadcast: Race live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network (U.S.), INDYCAR Live! (outside of U.S.). Practice and qualifying on INDYCAR Live!, INDYCAR Radio Network (globally). Sky F1 UK (Europe).

ABOUT JAMES ROE
Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Residence: Indianapolis
Age: 24
2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara
Social: @jamesroe_ie (Instagram), @jamesroe_IE (Twitter), @JamesRoeJr (Facebook)

Birmingham, Ala. (Sunday, April 30, 2023)– The eight weeks since the opening round of the Indy NXT by Firestone championship in St. Petersburg was worth the wait for James Roe as he showed his poise and overtaking ability at Barber Motorsports Park in the  INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama. Having started  10th with the No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara, the Irish star avoided trouble and made some beautiful passes on a tough Barber track to notch a  fifth place finish.

The top Andretti Autosport finisher, Roe earned 30 championship points for his team and for his partners in Topcon Positioning Systems, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation, and The Ireland Funds.  

“It was a good race with a good recovery for the No. 29 Topcon Dallara,” Roe said. “Going from 10th to 5th is obviously good on a track that isn’t known to be easy to pass on. We just stayed out of trouble, stayed clean and had a lot of pace at the beginning of the race. I think we fell off a little more than some other cars out there, especially on the starts and restarts, but I think it was the best of what we could’ve done.”

There were numerous incidents which caused two full course cautions, one of which turned into a red flag. Roe was seventh for most of the race, but avoided a collision on the final lap between Danial Frost and Josh Green to move into the top five.

“Staying clean paid off for us today and we know what we need to work on, so I’m excited to get to IMS in a few weeks,” Roe said.

Throughout the weekend, Craig Breen was on the mind and the car of Roe. Breen passed away on April 13 in an accident during a WRC Croatia Rally testing session. 

“Craig was a gent who represented Ireland well at the top level of global motorsport,” Roe said. “I’m glad I was able to have my best result of the season so far. That one’s for Craig.”

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

Points Position:11

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

Birmingham, Ala. (Thursday, April 27, 2023) – Nearly two months after the opening Grand Prix of the INDY NXT™ by Firestone season on the streets of St. Petersburg, Irish driver James Roe looks to get his season rolling this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park for round two of the INDY NXT™ by Firestone series.

The 24-year-old Irish driver showed his pace in his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara in pre-season testing. Unfortunately, neither he nor the No. 29 crew got to show their strong potential in the opening round in St. Petersburg as Roe retired with an unfortunate mechanical issue.

Opportunity awaits at Barber for Roe, who announced a partnership with The Ireland Funds earlier this week. With  17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes, the flowing 2.3 mile road course offers lots of surface for Roe to find a great result for his partners in Topcon, CES Power, Strong Roots, Ring Power Corporation along with The Ireland Funds.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the No. 29 Topcon car and getting our season going again,” Roe said. “After the large gap from St. Pete, we have been working away extremely hard in the background and there is a lot of positive energy in the team at the moment. It is time to put it all to good use.”

If recent showings are anything to go by, It should be a fierce battle Sunday afternoon, as the top 20 drivers in the field were separated by less than nine tenths of a second during qualifying at round one.

ABOUT THIS RACE

Race: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama

Season: Race 2 of 14

Date: 12:55 p.m. ET Sunday, April 30

Track: Barber Motorsports Park (17-turn, 2.3-mile road course)

Other Sessions: Practice, 2:40-3:25 p.m. ET Friday, April 28 and 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday, April 28. Qualifying, 2:20 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

Broadcast: Race live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network (U.S.), INDYCAR Live! (outside of U.S.). Practice and qualifying on INDYCAR Live!, INDYCAR Radio Network (globally). Sky F1 UK (Europe).

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

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

Indianapolis:  24 April 2023:  The Ireland Funds has today announced that it has entered into a brand ambassador partnership with talented Irish racing driver James Roe, who is competing in the United States this year in the INDY NXT™ by Firestone championship. This is an exciting development and opportunity to shine a global light on the philanthropic work of The Ireland Funds.

A native of Naas, Co. Kildare, Roe left home aged eighteen with a goal of reaching the pinnacle of American motorsport racing – the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES – and being the first Irishman in decades to run the prestigious Indianapolis 500. On his motorsport journey, the ambitious driver has recorded numerous wins, pole positions, and podium finishes across every series he’s competed in to-date.

In January, Andretti Autosport and Roe announced that the 24-year-old would join the world-renowned team for the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone season – the final developmental step before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES – at the helm of the No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara.

 

James Roe, Driver, No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara: “I am very proud to have the opportunity to work with The Ireland Funds and highlight the incredible difference the organisation is making across the island of Ireland to millions of INDYCAR fans globally. I’m excited to use my unique platform to give back and shine a light on the powerful workThe Ireland Funds is doing across Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide.”

Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO, The Ireland Funds said: “We are thrilled to partner with James Roe at this exciting time in his career. The Ireland Funds has always been a way for the diaspora to connect and do great things for Ireland and we are grateful for the opportunity to work together to promote the work of The Ireland Funds across the United States and beyond. It is a fantastic partnership for The Ireland Funds and we wish James every success for the season ahead.”

There are fourteen fixtures in the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone calendar with races including St. Petersburg, Detroit, Nashville, Indianapolis, Monterey, and Portland.  Roe will be back in action with The Ireland Funds displayed on his car livery on 30th April at the Indy NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama.

(Ends)

Issued on behalf of The Ireland Funds by Heneghan

Inquiries

Nigel Heneghan – nigel@heneghan.ie – + 353 86 258 7206

Colm Kearns – colm@heneghan.ie + 363 86 870 1711

About The Ireland Funds

The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. It has benefited the work of thousands of different organisations, with both financial and non-financial support. Today, The Ireland Funds is one of the largest independent grant makers for the non-profit sector in Ireland.

Roe Eager To Start Season at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Wednesday, March 1, 2023) – After a productive final test day this week at the Homestead-Miami Speedway road course, Irish driver James Roe looks to carry his strong form into the first race of the INDY NXT™ by Firestone season, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 5 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Roe, who announced partnerships with Ring Power Corporation, CES Power, and Strong Roots in recent weeks, produced the third-quickest lap of the test day in his No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara.

“That obviously was a positive test heading into the season,” Roe said. “It was a very productive test. We got through a lot of the changes we wanted to try, and as a team, we were quite strong. Encouraged to be in the top three and up at the front throughout.”

Both team and driver found gains, as they worked to master the transition of tire compounds of the new tire supplier Firestone. Previously, the INDY NXT cars used Cooper tires.

“We’re happy with where it is as a team,” Roe said. “There’s a lot of understanding from the test; we tried a lot of stuff. That was really encouraging to have two cars inside the top 3. Now we’ll have to see how that translates to the streets of St. Petersburg.”

Roe recognizes the challenges of the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary circuit that winds through the asphalt streets of the Florida Gulf Coast city and includes a concrete runway of Albert Whitted Airport. There’s little room for error, with concrete walls lining the course. Roe is optimistic about his and the team’s chances given Andretti’s success at the circuit in recent years. The team won this race last season and one of the two races in 2021.

“We just want to get through the weekend, first and foremost, but ultimately show what we’re capable of and here for, fighting up front,” Roe said.

 

ABOUT THIS RACE

Race: INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Season: Race 1 of 14

Date: 9:50 a.m. ET Sunday, March 5

Track: Streets of St. Petersburg (14-turn, 1.8-mile street circuit)

Other Sessions: Practice, 1:55-2:40 p.m. ET Friday, March 3 and 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday, March 4. Qualifying, 1:35 p.m. Saturday, March 4.

Broadcast: Race live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network (U.S.), INDYCAR Live! (outside of U.S.). Practice and qualifying on INDYCAR Live!, INDYCAR Radio Network (globally). Sky F1 UK (Europe).

 

ABOUT JAMES ROE

Hometown: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Residence: Indianapolis

Age: 24

2023 Car: No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara

Points Position: Season opener

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

 

 

Dublin  — February 24, 2023 Today, Strong Roots, the B Corp company on a mission to fix the freezer aisle, announced it is partnering with top Irish motorsport driver, James Roe for the 2023 INDY NXT™ by Firestone season. The twenty-four year old professional driver from Co. Kildare will helm the No. 29 car of Andretti Autosport for the 2023 INDY NXT feeder series with the Strong Roots logo on the rear area of his car side pod and on the upper sleeve of his driver fire suit. 

 

Strong Roots is a global plant-based brand providing options that are better for people and the planet. From their staple Cauliflower Hash Browns and Spinach Bites, to their newest Crispy Skinny Chips, Strong Roots serves up healthy, tasty, and convenient food to fuel busy lives. Strong Roots makes healthy, delicious food fast, making the brand an ideal partner for James Roe. 

 

Globally, men eat around 57% more meat than women, according to the US Department of Health. However, men are increasingly looking to plant-based options to fuel their busy lives and the 2023 Veganuary challenge saw 10% more men interested in participating than women. High profile athletes including Lewis Hamilton and Tom Brady have long heralded the advantages of a plant-based lifestyle for strength and endurance and men across Ireland and the UK are now demanding fast plant-based options that are delicious, good for you, and good for the environment. 

 

“As a young professional athlete with a fast-paced lifestyle, James’ health and diet are critical to succeeding at his craft, he can’t afford to sacrifice on nutrition or convenience. So we’re thrilled to announce this partnership to fuel James as he ramps up to compete this weekend,” said Strong Roots’ CEO Samuel Dennigan. “James’ ambition for success on a global scale matches ours here at Strong Roots, making us natural partners.” 

 

Raised in an automotive family in Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, James began racing when he was fifteen years old. Since landing in the United States in 2018, the Irish driver has gone from strength to strength, recording numerous wins, pole positions, and podium finishes in every series he has competed in to-date, while working his way to INDY NXT. The 2023 season will be Roe’s first full-time appearance in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship.

 

“I’m delighted to join forces with Sam and represent Strong Roots as their brand ambassador. Their ethos aligns perfectly with my own, and I look forward to working with their team this season” said James Roe. “Fast food has become synonymous with unhealthy and processed meals, but Strong Roots takes plant-based food to the next level, meaning I don’t have to sacrifice on nutrition, convenience or taste. Which is what every athlete needs as we push ourselves to the limit on a daily basis.”  

 

“As Strong Roots and James grow our roots in the States, the entire team is behind him this Race Weekend. It’s always great to see an Irish person succeed abroad, James is an amazing role model and I love how proud he is of his Irish roots. Knowing where you’re from will help you grow to where you want to be,” said Dennigan. 

 

The partnership comes amid a period of global expansion for Strong Roots as they continue to lead in plant-based frozen food innovation and the brand has seen very strong sales growth in the U.S. of 33.5% increase in sales YOY. The Strong Roots’ team has grown 48%, to 52 employees this year, after raising $55M in strategic investment from McCain Foods to fuel this growth. The company also recently debuted their new carbon footprint packaging, making it the first ever frozen plant-based brand to display climate footprint scores on the front of their packs. 

 

###

 

About Strong Roots 

Strong Roots is the plant-based frozen food company on a mission to fix the freezer aisle. The brand was founded in 2015 by Samuel Dennigan, with the vision that food can be better. A certified B Corp, Strong Roots is a leader in providing a range of delicious plant-based options, that are sustainably farmed, shipped and sold, better for people and the planet. The company offers healthy, plant-based frozen food products, including Cauliflower Hash Browns, Mixed Root Vegetable Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Spinach Bites, and Kale & Quinoa Burgers. Its products are sold in over 10,000 stores worldwide including major retailers in Ireland, the UK, and the U.S., as well as Australia, Singapore, Iceland, The Netherlands, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. 

 

PRESS CONTACT: 

 

Méabh O’Mahony

meabh@150bond.com

AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Irish race driver James Roe and Ring Power Corporation, the premier supplier of Cat® products and allied equipment in North and Central Florida, are pleased to announce their partnership for the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone series.  

Roe will drive the No. 29 Andretti Autosport car this season in INDY NXT, the development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 2023 season starts Sunday, March 5 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

“I am excited to welcome Ring Power on board for this coming season. We both share many of the same values of teamwork, excellence and safety, all of which are major requirements in the motorsport world,” said Roe.  Ring Power President, David Alban also stated, “we are very excited to start our partnership with James Roe and the No.29 Andretti Autosport car, as we see the alignment of using data and technology to improve performance and safety on the track similar to the practices we use with our customers to improve jobsite safety, along with equipment performance and  productivity.”

Roe is one of the top Irish race drivers in the world. Originally from Naas, Ireland, Roe has found success all over the world in his racing journey. He has won races in British Formula Ford, US Formula 3,USF Pro 2000 and most recently in European GT3. 

Since 1962, Ring Power Corporation has served numerous industries in north and central Florida, including construction, landscaping and special trades, power generation, marine power, paving and road building, governmental, material handling, and utility.  

Roe and Ring Power Corporation both see how vital ingenuity is in motorsport technology and modern machinery. The iconic machinery dealer also has an integral connection to the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 5, as Ring Power is the official track builder of the temporary street circuit in St. Petersburg, Florida, with its machines on site all weekend. 

The race in St. Petersburg will kick off the INDY NXT by Firestone season at 9:50 a.m. ET Sunday, March 5, with live coverage in the United States on Peacock. Roe will feature the Ring Power Corporation logo on the arm of his race suit and on the front end of his Andretti Autosport machine. 

About Ring Power Corporation 

Ring Power Corporation, North and Central Florida’s Cat® dealer, is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. Ring Power is comprised of eight divisions and has 60 years of experience servicing and supporting Cat® products and allied equipment. Ring Power strives to safely deliver superior solutions to our customers, personal growth and rewarding careers to our employees, and world-class representation of our suppliers’ products.

For more information, visit www.ringpower.com 

Company Values – Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Teamwork, and Safety Above All