Juncos Hollinger Racing has announced that Agustin Canapino will return to the team next season, driving the team’s #78 entry.
The Argentinian stock car driver turned open wheel racer completed his rookie season in IndyCar with JHR last year at 33 years old, with his best finishes being a set of 12th place efforts.
There was rumored to be quite a bit of uncertainty around Canapino’s return, with funding being the main concern.
But it appears that the small team has secured enough backing to be able to afford the tenured racer for another season, boosted in part by finishing both cars high enough in the points standings to earn the series’ Leader Circle funding for next year.
Canapino’s return will give him a chance to refine his skills and improve on what was a year spent getting used to cars and tracks that were entirely new to him.
“I am very happy to announce my continuation for 2024 in IndyCar with Juncos Hollinger Racing,” said Canapino. “Many thanks to Ricardo [Juncos] and Brad [Hollinger] for continuing to place their trust in me, and also to Hector Martinez Sosa, the Grupo Empresario Prieto and the INPROTUR for their support.
“After an incredible 2023 season, where we achieved good results, entered the Leaders Circle, and consistently delivered strong performances, all in my first year in a single-seater, I am filled with joy and motivation to have the opportunity to keep growing as a driver and contribute to the continuous and remarkable evolution of the team.
“For 2024, the mindset will be different. What was once filled with doubt and uncertainty will now be a relentless pursuit of improving day by day, seeking results and consistency in each race.
“Of course, we don’t forget that we are still a relatively new team competing against strong competitors, but we approach this challenge with the eagerness and hunger to aim higher every time. See you in St. Petersburg aboard the #78!”
Last season, JHR expanded to two cars for the first time, with Callum Ilott and Canapino behind the wheel of the two entries.
Ilott’s future has not yet been announced, and it is unknown if he will also be returning to JHR in 2024 in the team’s second entry.
The Briton was on the receiving end of a couple rounds of online abuse following racing incidents between him and his team-mate.
Those incidents did not sit well with Ilott, even though his team owner Ricardo Juncos mostly brushed the attacks off as common practice for South American sports fans.
The team will try to put those incidents behind it, however, and will focus on improving in the competitive IndyCar scene.
“Agustin’s incredible achievements on the track have not only exceeded our expectations but have also been a source of pride for our entire team,” said team co-owner Ricardo Juncos.
“His energy, dedication, and sportsmanship have united us and created a sense of camaraderie that is truly exceptional. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.”
