Hunter McElrea Indy Light Debut
Giltrap Group supported driver, Hunter McElrea has impressed during his debut Indy Lights drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway posting the day’s third fastest time.
Nov 4, 2021
McElrea was third quickest for Andretti Autosport across the six sessions
Kiwi Giltrap supported driver, Hunter McElrea has performed extremely well upon a debut drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway setting the day’s third fastest time for the Indy Lights category. Indy Lights is a precursor to the top tier Indycar series contested by Kiwis including Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin
In what the driver is calling ‘the most exciting two days of his life’ McElrea was third quickest for Andretti Autosport across the six sessions, just one tenth of a second off the fastest lap time over the two-day test at the road course layout of the famed Brickyard.
This bodes well for the young driver and the Andretti Autosport team who offered McElrea the opportunity to step into the 450hp (500hp with push to pass function activated). With the result naturally being a strong indicator of potential ahead.
It was somewhat a baptism of fire for Hunter, thrown into the deep end with his first Indy Lights test being at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, against most of the season regulars.
“It was a lot to take in at first, going so much faster with a lot more power and getting used to the turbo, but I was really surprised how quickly I got up to speed. I can't explain how cool it is to drive. The top speed is 280kph at Indy, and how quick the car stopped just blew my mind.” Said McElrea of the experience.
After the end of day one McElrea was P2 overall, just half a tenth off the fastest time posted by regular Indy Lights drivers, consider this was after just two sessions in the car and the Hunter’s future looks positive.
“I didn’t have any pressure on myself or expectations, but I was very surprised how easy it felt to be fast with how foreign everything still was to me. The Andretti big bosses such as JF Thormann were very happy with me which was a good feeling,” beamed McElrea following day one.
Day two was also a great result with McElrea able to put it on top of the time sheets going P1 in session 5.
The last session Andretti Autosports decided to try a spring change to help McElrea get used to a completely different car. It gave the car some understeer and ultimately took away some lap time, but it benefitted McElrea, enabling him to feel the dynamic changes and learn from it.
Overall McElrea ended the test in 3rd overall less than a tenth of P1, the fastest of his Andretti Autosport teammates.
“All in all, a terrific start. I cannot thank you guys enough for all your support, I am very proud to represent Giltrap Group. It is seriously a dream come true. I can't wait for my next two days of testing in Sebring and Barber.” Said McElrea.