Note: The Penske Entertainment editorial staff is looking back at the 10 biggest moments of 2024 in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in this year-end series, with one installment appearing on the site per day in countdown fashion from Dec. 22-31.

Andretti Global made several notable headlines in 2024.

From the pursuit of a Formula One program to Colton Herta finishing second in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings to Michael Andretti taking on a reduced role with the Indianapolis-based organization he founded two decades ago, there were many storylines to follow.

Herta won a pair of NTT INDYCAR SERIES races in the second half of the season as he made a charge toward winning his first series championship. Herta captured the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto in July – a street race – and then scored his first oval-track victory in the season-ending Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in September. Herta’s position at the end of the season trailed only Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, and the separation was 31 points.

Like Herta, teammate Kyle Kirkwood also finished a career-high best in the standings – he was seventh at season’s end – and the two drivers combined to win four NTT P1 Awards in qualifying sessions.

In INDY NXT by Firestone, Louis Foster delivered a series championship with eight wins in 14 races, and teammate Jamie Chadwick won her first series race from the pole (at Road America). Chadwick became the series’ first female race winner since 2010 and only the third overall.

Late in the year, the organization’s pursuit of a F1 program dropped “Andretti” from its name and became “Cadillac F1 Racing.” Dan Towriss became the lead executive as Michael Andretti, who ranks fifth in career INDYCAR SERIES race wins, penned a surprising open letter to the fans distributed through the team’s social media accounts. The following is an excerpt describing why he decided to step back:

“As I make this decision for myself, my family and this team, I know this is somewhat of a shock to many, especially you, the fans, my extended family. For many of you, you’ve watched me grow up, or you’ve grown up right alongside of me, and no matter what moves we’ve made as a team, you’ve stuck by our side at every turn. It is not lost on me that the generations of Andretti fans are the best in the business. I’m honored to be considered a fan favorite, a role model and a friend. And I thank you for a lifetime of support and, in some cases, your brutal honesty.

“But I am not going away – I will be serving as an advisor for the team and will be available to help wherever I can. While you might see me less at the racetrack, know that my passion for the sport and my support for our team, and its people, will remain unwavering.”

How the organization looks in the months and years ahead will be fascinating. Andretti Global heads to next season with its three-driver NTT INDYCAR SERIES program returning Herta, Kirkwood and 2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Marcus Ericsson, and the F1 side of the organization is on pace for a 2026 debut.