McElrea has had three pole positions, two race wins, and a total of six podiums during his rookie season. It’s been a rewarding race weekend for Kiwis at the Grand Prix of Portland this morning. While Giltrap Group sponsored Hunter McElrea didn’t have the race he’d like today, he can hold his head high as he looks toward the end of an impressive rookie season in Indy Lights.

Hunter McElrea had a challenging weekend at Portland, unable to better his qualifying position and ultimately finishing P5 in the race, the car and the team simply didn’t have winning form today. That only puts a mild damper however on an otherwise brilliant Rookie season, that sees McElrea third in the championship heading into the final round next week at Laguna Seca.

Testament to the confidence in McElrea, his team Andretti Autosports have resigned the Kiwi for another season in the Indy Lights series.

McElrea has three pole positions, two race wins, and a total of six podiums, in this, his rookie season and right from race one, he has been a driver to watch. The New Zealander was leading his very first race in Indy Lights before contacting the wall in St Petersburg.

“I’m really excited to be back with Andretti Autosport for the 2023 Indy Lights championship,” McElrea said. “I really jelled with the team this season, and it’s a great atmosphere with fast cars, so it was a no-brainer for me to come back. I’ve learned a lot in my first year, and I really look forward to putting that into action for my second year.

“Obviously, the championship is the goal, but I’m just planning to have as much fun as I can and keep learning while making the most of the opportunity I have.”

New Zealand driver McElrea, 22, is the leading rookie in the championship with two wins, six podium finishes and three poles.

“We are happy to have Hunter return to the team for another season,” said Michael Andretti, CEO and chairman for Andretti Autosport. “He’s had a good season with us and will perform well in the series for this upcoming year. After the growth and learnings he has had this year, we look forward to seeing him excel next season.”

Meanwhile, Kiwis also wowed the Portland crowds in the main IndyCar race, where relative newcomer, Scott McLaughlin lead from lights to chequered flag, taking his third IndyCar race win. And IndyCar legend Scott Dixon took the third step on the podium after an aggressive overtake in the final stanza of the race.

Dixon is now within 20 points of winning another IndyCar Championship, while Scott McLaughlin is surely a Champion in the making.

It’ll be all eyes on September 12 (NZ Time) as the IndyCar and Indy Lights Championship head to Laguna Seca for the final round of the season.