IndyCar rookie Linus Lundqvist has signed a multi-year contract with Chip Ganassi Racing that will officially start in 2024.
Linus Lundqvist, who dominated his way to the 2022 Indy Lights (now Indy NXT) championship, has now received the IndyCar ride that many others believed he so rightfully deserved.
Lundqvist’s contract with Chip Ganassi Racing for the entire 2024 season was confirmed on Thursday.
Lundqvist was unsuccessful in securing a full-season IndyCar seat for 2023, but he has raced three times with Meyer Shank Racing, including a season-best 12th place result at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He immediately excelled, qualifying 11th on his debut in Nashville before crashing out near the end of the race after an impressive debut run.
Lundqvist posted the quickest lap time in races in Nashville and at the Indianapolis road track during his brief audition, confirming his potential.
“Joining Chip Ganassi Racing is an absolute dream come true for me,” said Lundqvist. “Stepping up to race full-time in the IndyCar Series, and to do so with one of the most successful teams in the history of the championship, is the moment I’ve been working for throughout my career.
“It is hard to explain how much this means to me. I am incredibly grateful to Chip, Mike [Hull, CGR’s managing director] and to everyone who has backed me on this journey, including of course my family.”
With five victories, nine podium finishes, and seven pole positions, Lundqvist dominated the 2022 Indy Lights/NXT season, winning the title by a margin of 92 points. He joined the championship in 2021 and finished third in the standings with three victories, 11 podiums, and three pole positions.
“I have dipped my toes into IndyCar racing in recent weeks, which will give me a little bit of a head start going into 2024,” added Lundqvist.
“Coming up through Indy NXT has provided me with some important experience that will help me get up to speed.
“Having said that, this is an entirely new challenge as I prepare to join an established top team at the highest level of the sport.
“I know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but having a team like Chip Ganassi Racing put their trust in me is the greatest motivator I could ever have.
“I intend to do everything in my power to grab this opportunity and I look forward to all the moments ahead, next year and beyond.”
Along with current championship leader Alex Palou and its six-time winner Scott Dixon, Lundqvist will be a part of the CGR squad for the last two races of the year before joining full-time in 2024. CGR is now assured of winning its 15th championship.
If Ganassi runs a fourth car, like it did this season, Marcus Armstrong, who previously shared driving duties with Takuma Sato, is anticipated to drive the entry exclusively. Despite not competing in any oval races, Armstrong is still in the top spot among rookies as of 2023.
