IndyCar has built a strong fanbase over the past few years hailing from Argentina, and most of that may be down to the influence of one man.
Ricardo Juncos – the Argentinian owner of the Juncos Hollinger Racing team has made strides in the sport over last seven years that his team has competed.
Signing Argentine driver Augustin Canapino was a big step toward securing more support, but he found himself off the grid in 2024 after social media backlash from his fans aimed at Theo Pourchaire.
He is yet to make a full decision on his 2025 driver line-up, but it appears that there are also other IndyCar priorities that he has on his mind.
Argentina’s IndyCar ‘dream’ could be about to take off
IndyCar technically last raced at the Rafaela oval in 1971, with the 500 Millas Argentinas being won by legendary driver Al Unser.
It has intermittently hosted other categories such as Turismo Carretera, TC2000 and Top Race V6 over the years.
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It would require extensive work to be prepared for an IndyCar race, but a visit by Ricardo Juncos and IndyCar head of safety – Tony Cotman, suggests that something is being lined up.
The local mayor, Leonardo Viotti discussed the possibility of a race being hosted at the oval in the future with IndyCar Latinos and seems to back the idea.
“The first step of a great dream. We don’t want to create false expectations, but we are committed to working on this project.”
Who will Juncos Hollinger sign for 2025?
Juncos Hollinger are yet to announce either of their drivers for the 2025 season, after ending the current year with Romain Grosjean and Conor Daly in the car.
Daly revealed that there are as many as 10 drivers competing for a seat there, all of whom are backed by hefty sponsorship.
Grosjean was offered a contract to remain with them but is assessing all options before going forward with any plans for the future.
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It’s unknown whether they seek youth or experience, with the likes of Rinus VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb available.
There is also a plethora or Indy NXT talent ready to graduate, including champion Louis Foster, who won eight of the 14 races on offer this year.