Written by Dan Jones, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Juncos Hollinger Racing have announced Agustin Canapino’s continuation with the team in 2024, for a second IndyCar campaign, after an impressive rookie season that took many fans, and drivers to the attention of the experienced Argentine, with Canapino able to show what he can build upon in 2024.
Canapino was signed by Juncos Hollinger Racing at the beginning of the 2023 season, to the surprise of many. Canapino was an unknown name, who had spent his entire racing career in stock cars, racing nationally in Argentina, where he has become a multiple-time champion, and heralded as one of the countries’ greatest sportsmen, alongside the likes of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine had not driven a single-seater car prior to his IndyCar season, however, he showed no signs, as he impressed straight off the bat, with two twelfth-place finishes, despite not having raced a single-seater, or an oval, which he did so impressively at Texas Motor Speedway, silencing any doubts had pre-season
Canapino has continued his form, displaying excellent consistency and adaptability, his performances steadily improving as the season has gone on, with very little mistakes against his name. Canapino almost claimed a headline result at the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, until strategy issues and damage meant a strong result fell out of his grasp.
The thirty-three year-old, will likely continue to line-up alongside Callum Ilott in 2024, despite rumours saying the Brit would look further afield for a seat in the IndyCar paddock — but these have not matured. The two have clashed on track multiple times in 2023, in Long Beach and Laguna Seca, and will be hoping to put the inter-team tension behind them, and look forward to a stronger showing in 2024.
The renewal of Canapino was in doubt, as recently as a few weeks ago, due to the downturn in the Argentine economy, which had been a huge financial provider to Canapino and his IndyCar campaign. However, Juncos and Canapino have found the funds for a second term that both driver and team desperately wanted, after a rookie season that exceeded expectations.
Canapino has quickly gained a reputation in the IndyCar paddock, having some of the most passionate fans seen in motorsport, with the Argentine fans particularly loyal to their countryman, as displayed on almost every social media post! Canapino himself has shown quick adaptability in the States, impressively learning English fluently within months of arriving on the scene, and his underdog story has gained him fans worldwide.
With Juncos Hollinger locking themselves in for 2024, very few question marks remain in the driver market. Only Dale Coyne Racing, Andretti Autosport, A.J. Foyt Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing have seats left to fill, in the most unpredictable driver market. However, Juncos can worry no more, with Agustin Canapino locked in for 2024, aiming to build upon his impressive 2023 season.
Canapino was excited to be continuing at Juncos for 2024, and was quoted saying:
“I am very happy to announce my continuation for 2024 in IndyCar with Juncos Hollinger Racing,”
“Many thanks to Ricardo and Brad for continuing to place their trust in me, and also to Hector Martinez Sosa and the Grupo Empresario Prieto for supporting me. See you in St. Petersburg aboard the No. 78.”
Having impressed in his rookie season, it will be exciting to see what the Argentine racer can do in his sophomore season for the team.
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