Jamie Chadwick is notorious for being the fastest woman on the planet, including three W-Series championships.
Before moving to North America, she was firmly in the hunt to make Formula 1, but opportunities were limited in Europe.
After taking some time to get used to Indy NXT, she showed her true potential in 2024, including a special race win at Road America.
Now she’s on the move again and is targeting a graduation to IndyCar for 2025, although seats are very limited currently.
Jamie Chadwick ‘aiming high’ with 2025 IndyCar opportunity
Although Chadwick drives for Andretti in Indy NXT, they have already decided on their driver line-up in IndyCar for 2025.
She has a chance to impress in a test with them in November, which could be crucial in the bid for a seat elsewhere – perform and there could be an opening.
Speaking on The Race’s IndyCar podcast, Chadwick clarified her current plans for the future as the season draws to a close.
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“Looking at both [Indy NXT and IndyCar],” she said. “I’m aiming high and then I think, let’s see how the next few months pan out, especially after the IndyCar test.
“Aiming high to see what opportunities there might be. Potentially IndyCar, I’d love to have the chance to step up. Seeing how the test goes is the first port of call.
“I think if that goes well, trying to see what opportunities there are but it’s tough for everyone. There’s very few seats. Could be another year of Indy NXT, could be a part-time program.”
Saturated driver market leads to shortage of seats
According to IndyCar driver Conor Daly, as many as 10 drivers are competing for a seat at Juncos Hollinger Racing currently.
Some of those come with huge financial backing, which makes it incredibly tough for drivers to earn a seat on pure merit currently.
It may be part of the reason why Louis Foster – who won eight of the 14 Indy NXT races this year is yet to secure an opening.
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Someone with his level of talent should have been locked up long ago, with a guarantee of graduation and a full-time seat.
He will get to compete at the Indy 500 next year, but if he fails to find a drive with any of the remaining teams for 2025, it will be a great shame and won’t reflect well on the junior category’s credibility.