Graduating to IndyCar is proving to be especially tough for some of even the finest talents on the block in 2024.
Louis Foster just dominated the Indy NXT season, with a win percentage above 50%, but still cannot seem to find himself a full-time gig for next year.
Jamie Chadwick is waiting in the Andretti wings for an opportunity – having taken a win and sat inside the top six of Indy NXT all year, but only has a test opportunity to show for it.
It’s harder than ever to get a spot on the IndyCar grid, and the calibre of competition is only going up – making it harder and harder for the young guns to get their shot.
Liam McNeilly ‘dream’ keeps going as he targets IndyCar drive
It’s almost unimaginable to consider that it could be possible for someone to skip Indy NXT and head straight to IndyCar from another junior category – but that’s exactly what one Brit is aiming to do.
Liam McNeilly finished second in the USF Juniors championship – just five points from the title after winning five out of 16 races.
He’s targeting a race seat in IndyCar soon, but at the tender age of 18, he has plenty of time ahead of him to reach that goal.
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“It’s definitely a bit of a dream and a bit surreal really,” McNeilly told BBC Essex’s Sport Extra show.
“It was a good overall season for me and being top rookie for the championship just topped it all off. We’ve had some really good results this year and I’m already looking forward to next year now.”
McNeilly would ‘love’ Formula 1 chance but remains realistic
The GB4 championship winner only confirmed his move to North America back in February, just four years on from graduating from karting.
“I would love to get to Formula 1 but it’s just totally different to the IndyCar ladder,” McNeilly continued. “The IndyCar ladder is a lot more accessible for myself. I would love to continue out in America and keep going for it.
“That’s what I’m planning on doing. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. As long as I keep enjoying it and getting results, that’s the main goal really.”
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He’s shown a lot of promise and courage so far in his career to move halfway across the world and take on a new world of racing.
If he can continue to his march in 2025, then expect to see this young Brit challenging for victories at the very highest level very soon.