INDY NXT by Firestone championship contender Nolan Siegel will pull double duty this weekend at Road America, as he also will drive for Juncos Hollinger Racing in the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America presented by AMR NTT INDYCAR SERIES race.
Siegel will replace full-time driver Agustin Canapino in the No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet in the aftermath of online abuse directed toward Theo Pourchaire of Arrow McLaren after he made contact with Canapino’s car Sunday, June 7 during the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.
“The growth of online abuse and harassment resulting from the events of this week have led to a very difficult experience for Agustin, the team and the entire INDYCAR fan base, and the safety of Agustin and the rest of the competitors has to be considered first and foremost,” a Juncos Hollinger Racing statement said. “Abuse, hatred, and harassment in any form is a detriment to this sport, and we must prioritize the mental and physical wellbeing of both our drivers and our competition.”
Said JHR co-owner Brad Hollinger: “Online abuse is unacceptable, and we need to ensure that our drivers are prepared both mentally and physically when they get in the car. We are saddened by the events that led to this scenario.”
Siegel, third in the INDY NXT standings, will attempt to make his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES start in a points-paying event. He finished 20th in his series debut in April in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for Dale Coyne Racing. He failed to qualify for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May for DCR.
Live coverage of the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America presented by AMR starts at 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network will broadcast Siegel’s INDY NXT by Firestone race at 1:05 p.m. ET Sunday.