Yesterday Juncos Hollinger Racing revealed the livery for car 78 for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. Augustin Canapino will drive the car which is atribute to Argentina’s World Cup champions.
This car is a stunner in my view.
The release from Juncos Holliunger:
MAY 3, 2023
Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Agustín Canapino will proudly carry the colors of the Argentine flag on his #78 Dallara-Chevrolet when he goes into battle at the INDY 500 later this month (May 28).
The stunning blue and white livery is expected to be one of the stars of the show at the sixth round of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and reflects the colors of Agustín’s home country flag.
The livery is the result of a strategic partnership between the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) – with the collaboration of Visit Argentina, the international tourism promotion brand of Inprotur.
As well as honoring the Argentine flag, the livery will also feature design elements that celebrate Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup.
Claudio Tapia, President of the AFA, said: “Generating actions such as the ones we are celebrating today highlight the union between Argentines through sport. To be able to unite two great passions such as soccer and motor racing in a foreign territory is a demonstration of teamwork. The AFA is proud to support an Argentine driver in the iconic INDY 500 race and wishes the best of luck to Agustín Canapino and the Juncos Hollinger Racing team.”
Ricardo Juncos, President and Co-owner of JHR, said: “As an Argentinean, I am proud to have the colors of my country and the Argentinean Football Association with us for this edition of the INDY 500 race. To be able to bring together the two greatest passions of Argentines, together with the AFA and Agustín Canapino, in the most important and oldest event in the history of world motorsport, the 500, is a dream come true. I believe it will undoubtedly be a historic event for the sport in our country, which beyond any result will remain in everyone’s memory.”
Juncos Hollinger Racing completed its quest to add a second full time car to Indycar grid with yesterday’s announcement of Agustin Canapino as driver of car 78. Canapiono,32, has won multiple championships in Argentina in the touring car series. He tested with the team and drove in a series of demonstration runs n Argentina last fall.
Callum Ilott returns to JHR in car 77 for his second Indycar season. Ilott finished 20th in points in 2022, but he had several strong performances, including a front row start at the season finale at Laguna Seca.
I’m happy to see Ricardo Juncos expand to two full time cars. Juncos and his team work hard, and they do not get discouraged by setbacks.
The fulltime grid for 2023 now stands at 26. The only open full time spot is the second car at Dale Coyne Racing.
What has been runored all sunner long became official today. Juncos Hollinger racing will have a second full time car on the Indycar grid in 2023. Ther team will be testing to find its second driver to run alongside Callum Ilott, who signed a multi year extension with JHR in August.
One driver is now off the table with speculation building over who gets to drive the Ganassi 10 or the Andretti 1 next year. Callum Ilott and Juncos-Hollinger have a new two year agreement. Ilott a rookie, is 21st in points, but has qualified well on the road courses. He finished 11th and 12th last weekend at Iowa after starting 22nd in both races.
As for why he chose to stay at juncos-Hollinger Racing, Ilott said,
“At the end of the day Ricardo and Brad have put a lot of investment in from the beginning, gave me the opportunity to come out here. The trust in them and the trust in me, vice versa, I really respected that. We did the deal quite early on this year to continue. I’m a man of my word. Of course, there was a lot of interest from other people, but I was very honest from the very beginning if anyone approached me, Look, this is what the situation is. But, yeah, I’m very happy to continue. I think we’ve got a lot of momentum. Also there’s interest for engineers and people to join as well. I think as a team we’ll grow, hopefully quickly. It could be slowly, but we’re definitely on the right track to improve.”
Ilott at Mid Ohio
The team has done a great job as a one car team, but they are looking to expand. Co-owner Brad Hollinger announced,
“We’re targeting (a second car) next year right now. Ricardo can allude to that a little bit more for that. We’re happy to say that is the game plan for sure. In terms of drivers, I’ll turn that over to Ricardo.”
Juncos added,:
“It is quite difficult, INDYCAR, right? One of the key components is the system, the engineers, how you apply all that. We’re going to prioritize the quality. Having one car, you still can perform quite okay. No question the second car will put us to the next level. That’s intention. But, like I said, we need to make sure is properly first, not just do two cars just because, because otherwise can be the whole program damaged. We’re working very hard to see how we’re going to put the program together. As of today, we don’t know that yet, but that’s clearly the way to go.”
Ilott is looking forward to having an experienced teammate.
“I mean, from my side, I would like someone to teach me what I haven’t been taught. Obviously that’s a hard one to learn what you don’t know in a sense. So, yeah, if someone was super experienced and can teach me some stuff on the oval, someone who can develop the team. Otherwise I think they’re going to have a tough time competing against me for speed. Otherwise, yeah, help develop the team as much as possible, see what I can get out of them. That’s my personal side of things.”
Juncos explained why his team chose not to form a technical alliance with a larger team.
“If we are doing good now with one car team, no technical alliance, if you can add a second car, I think we’re going to be doing our own things. I’m quite happy and secure doing that more than a technical alliance. Also there is no one that I can see willing to align with us on the technical area as well.”
The team has performed quite well this year considering they are the only single car team on the grid and the driver is a rookie. It will be interesting to see how much they improve in 2023.
Callum Ilott has not been cleared to drive this coming weekend because of his injury suffered in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. Santino Ferrucci will drive the number 77 entry for Juncos Hollinger Racing. Ferrucci subbed for Jack Harvey at Texas and finished ninth. Ferrucci finishe 10th in the 500 driving for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing.
Callum Ilott. Indycar photo by Chris Jones
The full statement from Juncos Hollinger racing:
Indianapolis, IN (June 1, 2022) – After further evaluation of NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie Callum Ilott, from the injury he sustained during the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500, Ilott has not been cleared to drive this weekend in the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. Santino Ferrucci will replace Ilott in the No. 77 JHR Chevrolet for one event.
Ricardo Juncos and Santino Ferrucci
JHR and Ilott respect the decision made by the INDYCAR Medical Team and are committed to getting the young Britain back on track as soon as he is well and cleared. Ilott was reevaluated this week after an injury suffered to his hand caused during his wreck at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ilott will go through another evaluation next week.
“Obviously I am devastated not to be racing this weekend in Detroit,” said Ilott. “After speaking with the doctors and specialists here in Indy the damage to my hand was slightly worse than when first looked at. They suggested that the long-term healing was the top priority and any damage that could be done in the short term by racing would be a longer-term problem. So, after learning this I agreed with the medical team’s decision that I would not be cleared and would spend more time healing. Although I would have loved to be racing, I wanted to preserve myself and focus on my health. I spoke with Ricardo (Juncos) and Brad (Hollinger) and we came to a same conclusion for the benefit of the team. I will be with the team this weekend and supporting Santino and providing any guidance I can. I am sorry that I won’t be in the car this weekend but know this is the right decision.”
“This is a very difficult scenario for Ilott and JHR,” said JHR Co-owner and Team Principal Ricardo Juncos. “Together we are looking at the long-term view, so keeping Ilott out of the car to take the necessary time to heal was most important, so we support the INDYCAR’s evaluation. Callum has already proven to be a strong contender this year and we want to keep building on that, so we all agree this is the best decision for this weekend.”
Santino Ferrucci brings a great deal of experience to JHR, having run in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2018. The American recently competed in the Indianapolis 500 with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing finishing 10th and at Texas Motor Speedway with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing finishing ninth.
“Although I am happy to be back in the car, it’s unfortunate for Callum under the circumstances,” said Ferrucci. “I hope his hand heals really quickly and he is back on track soon. I’m just here to help with the team and see if we can get them a really good result and bring in some different knowledge from my experience in Detroit. I am looking forward to having some fun and carrying the momentum I have from Indy. I can’t thank the guys over at Juncos Hollinger enough with in trusting me this weekend and hopefully it goes really smoothly.”
“We want to thank Santino Ferrucci for graciously stepping in to help us out in the No. 77 Chevrolet at Detroit,” said Juncos. “To have a driver of high caliber like Santino will be a great assist to our team. We will provide any support necessary to Santino this weekend as we get him settled in the car.”
“This is a tough moment for all of us here at JHR, but we are all confident this is what’s best for the health and healing of Callum,” said Co-Owner Brad Hollinger. “The support Callum has for this team and the support we all have for Callum, shows the unity of everyone at JHR. We are all here to fully support Santino this weekend and thank him for stepping in on such short notice.”
This Thursday, December 9, The ticket for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 will be revealed at the PRI show in downtown Indianapolis. 2021 winner Helio Castroneves will be on hand for the ceremony. The event will be streamed beginning at 5:45 Eastern Time on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Facebook page.
Juncos Hollinger Car Keeps Juncos Green
The livery for Juncos Hollinger for 22 has the familiar look of a car from the Juncos stable. The number 77 car, to be driven by rookie Callum Ilott, has the green and white with black trim we saw when Juncos last had a car in the Indianapolis 500.
Photo from Juncos Hollinger Facebook page
The unveiling may mean the team will not be partnering with Carlin as some thought. Will getting a sponsor change the livery? It is entirely possible, although it seems in the past Ricardo Juncos has been able to keep this color scheme no matter what sponsors he gets.
Junco Hollinger Racing announced this morning that Callum Ilott will drive full time for the team in 2022. Ilott is driving for Junco Hollinger in the final three races of the 2021 season which concludes Sunday at Long Beach.
Ilott finished second in F2 in 2020 to Mick Schumacher, who went to Haas in Formula 1. He has served as a reserve driver for Alfa Romeo this season.
In his first two races, Ilott has done a decent job given the time he has had in the car and the relative newness of the team.
No other team announcements are expected until next week.
Practice for the Acura grand prix of Long Beach begins at 6 pm Eastern on Peacock.
Indianapolis, Indiana (August 3rd, 2021) – Ricardo Juncos announced today he has partnered with Brad Hollinger to form Juncos Hollinger Racing which will field one NTT INDYCAR SERIES entry for the final three events of the 2021 season, along with a full season 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES entry and multiple cars running in the Road To Indy Presented by Cooper Tires ladder series.
The partnership between Juncos and Hollinger brings an expansive future for the race team and the state-of-the-art headquarters located just half a mile away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The opportunity to partner with someone who shares many of the same values, passion, determination, and is forward-thinking like Brad Hollinger makes this an incredible moment in our team’s history,” said Ricardo Juncos. “Brad has a lot of experience at one of the highest levels in racing and brings resources that will create more opportunities and growth for all of our programs. I am looking forward to what our future holds at Juncos Hollinger Racing and taking our team to the next level.”
Hollinger brings multiple years of experience and resources in motorsports after being the second-largest shareholder and board member in the Williams Grand Prix Holdings Formula One team. Once he ended his time in Formula One, Hollinger looked for an opportunity to be involved in the INDYCAR SERIES. He met Juncos during the 2017 Indianapolis 500 and they formed a friendship over the next few years. Both Juncos and Hollinger saw the opportunity to combine their passion for motorsports which led to the partnership and formation of Juncos Hollinger Racing.
“I am very excited to join Ricardo and the Juncos Racing team,” said Hollinger. “Since we first met, Ricardo’s relentless drive for success, knowledge of open-wheel racing, and engineering expertise were quite apparent. His winning spirit along with our shared vision and commitment to be a front running team made my decision to join Juncos Racing a simple one. I recently transitioned from the Formula One world, where the sport entertained an international audience, yet had limited fan participation in the United States. My view of INDYCAR SERIES, in light of Formula Ones’ limited exposure, is that significant growth opportunities exist. This premise prompted me to seek an INDYCAR SERIES team with a combination of engineering acumen, a culture of excellence, and a track record of success. With an infusion of funds to obtain the best equipment and INDYCAR SERIES talent, Juncos is a team poised to be fiercely competitive in the INDYCAR SERIES. Further, the INDYCAR SERIES is an American-born motorsport with a significant spectator platform that has major growth potential. The racing is very competitive and exciting, creating a viewer experience that is attractive to businesses focused on national and international branding. In addition, all major networks are seeking live sports content at an unparalleled level.”
Juncos Racing began competing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2017, running two drivers in the Indianapolis 500, and then competed in select events with multiple drivers during the 2018 season. Juncos Racing made headlines during the 2019 Indianapolis 500 qualifying after knocking Fernando Alonso out of the field for the final position on the grid with their backup car.
“Since the Indianapolis 500 in 2019, we have been looking for the right opportunity to get back on track in the INDYCAR SERIES,” said Juncos. “After a difficult 2019 year and then with us all facing the terrible and unfortunate times during COVID-19 in 2020, our efforts were derailed until this year. Once we committed to a full 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, we made the plan to get on track this year for the final three races this season to begin our preparation for next year. To be back on track and to get to this point would not have been possible without the support we have received from Chevy, Firestone, INDYCAR SERIES, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Thank you to everyone who has continued to believe in our program and we look forward to seeing you all on track in September!”
Juncos Racing has competed in the Road To Indy Presented by Cooper Tires for over 10 years. The team has claimed two Indy Lights driver championships, five Indy Pro 2000 driver championships, and five Indy Pro 2000 team championships.
“Ricardo and Juncos’s winning history in open-wheel racing and their state-of-the-art engineering platform not only position us for future success but also advances Juncos’s Road to Indy driver development program,” said Hollinger. “The combination of Ricardo’s racing expertise and Hollinger resources positions Juncos for success on multiple levels of open-wheel racing.”
Juncos Hollinger Racing will compete at the Grand Prix of Portland, Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this September and is currently preparing for full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition in 2022. A driver will be announced soon.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 