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Hunter McElrea Wins Indy Lights Rookie Of The Year

Giltrap Group sponsored driver, Hunter McElrea has won Indy Lights Rookie of the Year after the category’s finale at Laguna Seca.

Sep 13, 2022

The Rookie of the Year achievement follows McElrea being confirmed by his team Andretti Autosport team as a driver for the 2023 season.

Kiwis are no strangers to success in the top tier Indycar series, with both Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin big names in the popular series. And that looks set to continue if Giltrap Group sponsored, Hunter McElrea can build on his stellar first season in the feeder Indy Lights category.

McElrea finished seventh in the Indy Lights series in his debut season, with multiple podiums and race wins in the competitive championship he has adapted well and proven himself as a capable driver and talent worth nurturing.

The Rookie of the Year title was cemented this weekend in Indy Lights’ Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California. The race itself wasn’t without it’s challenges. McElrea battled through a fault with the push-to-pass system in his No. 27 Andretti Autosport car but ultimately his consistency through the season saw the Kiwi end the year fourth in the standings with 460 points. 20 ahead of rookie runner-up Christian Rasmussen.

McElrea feels he’s improved and looks on the past season philosophically. “Overall was an amazing experience this year, there have been many highs and some lows that has made me stronger.”

The son of successful Kiwi racer, Andy McElrea, Hunter (22) concluded the championship with two wins, six podium finishes and three poles and recently re-signed as a driver in the 2023 season with Andretti Autosport.

“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.”