Written by Dan Jones
Devlin DeFrancesco will return to IndyCar after a year out the series, as he makes the move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to drive the No.30, replacing Pietro Fittipaldi, as the Canadian signs a multi-year deal.
DeFrancesco, 24, competed in 34 races over two seasons for Andretti Autosport between 2022 and 2023, recording a best finish of 12th, and finishing 23rd and 22nd in the standings respectively. DeFrancesco will line-up alongside veteran, Graham Rahal and 2024 Indy NXT Champion, and 2025 IndyCar rookie, Louis Foster.
“I’m very excited to be back in the INDYCAR SERIES,” said DeFrancesco. “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has an amazing history and is also on an impressive trajectory. Seeing all the work that is going on from the men and women behind the scenes, it is easy to see that this team and myself are very hungry for results. I look forward to getting started with all the great people here.”
Co-owner of the team, Bobby Rahal, added: “I’m very pleased that we are able to welcome Devlin to the team,” added Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. “We had the chance to witness his ability while he was at Andretti and there were clearly times when he was quite competitive so I’m confident that we can have a lot of good races together. We’re looking forward to his contribution to the team.”
Today's announcement signifies the end of Pietro Fittipaldi's tenure at the team after just one full season. Fittipaldi failed to rectify the struggles that Jack Harvey previously had in the No.30 entry, claiming a best finish of 13th and finishing 19th in the standings. Fittipaldi could still find a landing spot at Dale Coyne Racing, however, options are believed to be limited.
DeFrancesco's confirmation only leaves three seats left available in the driver market ahead of 2025. Juncos Hollinger Racing still have an absent seat alongside Sting Ray Robb, with Conor Daly the favourite for the seat, after he impressed in his comeback to the team in the final rounds of the 2024 season, including a maiden podium for the team at Milwaukee.
Two seats are also available at Dale Coyne Racing, with Fittipaldi a contender alongside the likes of Jacob Abel and Rinus VeeKay, but don't expect announcements from the team until after the new year.
But it's the confirmation of an IndyCar return for Devlin DeFrancesco, who returns after a year out of the sport on a multi-year contract with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Comments