Jamie Chadwick completed her first NTT IndyCar Series test earlier this week, turning laps around Barber Motorsports Park.
Chadwick recently completed her second season driving for Andretti in the IndyNXT feeder series, which is the final step on the IndyCar ladder.
She earned her first win in the series in June at Road America, fending off challenges from her rivals as she led the entirety of the 20 lap event.
The 26-year-old British driver was told in July she would have a chance to sample the top level IndyCar machinery, with Andretti Global dedicating a full day after the season was complete.
She completed that test early this week, driving 87 laps around the 2.3-mile natural terrain road course of Barber Motorsports Park.
An Incredible Day
“It was just an incredible day,” Chadwick said in an interview with RACER.
“I think just having the opportunity to drive the IndyCar, aside from getting wrapped up in performance and all that kind of stuff, is just very, very cool.
“I don’t want to just make up the numbers in IndyCar. It’s going to take me time, but I want to be there, because I deserve to be there. And I can be competitive.
“And from the test, I know I can be competitive, but only if I’ve got everything going for me, every bit of strength. So working out that bit is going to be the next step.”
Chadwick is shorter than the average racing driver, and her physical strength has been one of the areas she has had to place extra focus as she rises through the ranks into more powerful cars.
She has risen to the challenge to this point, but IndyCar’s lack of power steering would put even higher demands on her endurance.
Chadwick’s plans for the upcoming season are not yet confirmed, though she still retains strong ties to both Andretti Global and the Williams F1 team.
READ MORE: Jamie Chadwick credits impact of W Series on her career
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