Current IMSA endurance driver and INDY NXT by Firestone alumni Hunter McElrea will make his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut this weekend in the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto aboard Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 18 Honda.
McElrea, who finished second in the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone championship, turned his first laps in an NTT INDYCAR SERIES machine last week during a successful one-day test with DCR at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
“It’s a dream come true for me to be making my NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut,” McElrea said. “I’ve been working toward this for a long time, and I have to thank Dale (Coyne) for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get to Toronto, which is one of the coolest events of the year. I want to thank JR Smart and Courtesy Corporation for making this possible for me.”
DCR also announced INDY NXT graduate Toby Sowery will return to the team's No. 51 Honda at Toronto and in the BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland on Aug. 25. Sowery finished 13th, climbing from the 24th starting position, in his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut with DCR earlier this month at Mid-Ohio.
McElrea, a New Zealand racing driver born in Los Angeles, began his career in karting at age 7. He stepped up to single-seaters, competing in Formula Ford championships in both Australia and New Zealand in 2015.
In 2018, McElrea contested a second full season of Australian Formula Ford, registering thirteen wins and becoming the first non-Australian driver to win the title since 1985.
Prior to joining the INDY NXT by Firestone championship in 2022 where he took Rookie-of-the-Year honors, McElrea was Vice Champion in the 2019 USF2000 Championship and third place in the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship. Earlier this year, McElrea finished second in the 12 Hours of Sebring.
“Hunter impressed the team during our test last week at Mid-Ohio,” Coyne said. “He quickly got up to speed and helped run through our testing plan. I’m excited to see what he can do on the streets of Toronto this weekend.”
Track activity at Exhibition Place begins at 3 p.m. ET. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network).