In the latest instalment of Pit Debrief’s exclusive interview with Callum Ilott, the IndyCar driver discussed his future, and whether he will still be with Juncos Hollinger Racing on the Indycar grid after 2023 or not.
The British driver had joined the team in its first ever three races in the top championship in 2021, staying for his first full season in 2022 and seeing the team expanding to running two cars full time in 2023.
As the time passed and his experience in the American racing series grew, Ilott has grown fond of IndyCar, and confirmed to Pit Debrief that he will definitely remain in IndyCar for the foreseeable future:
“Within IndyCar, yes. 100%. It’s a great championship. It’s very competitive and really enjoyable to drive.Obviously there is still a lot of things I need to get used to on the oval side and you’ve got to see how it develops in the future.”
Among the consistent rumours of IndyCar hosting a round in Argentina next year, and the increasing interest for races in international locations, Ilott wishes that room could be found for a European round and expansion, but is also aware of the American DNA of the series:
“Obviously I am from Europe. My home has always been in the UK or Italy as well. I would love to see IndyCar try and expand into Europe and take a bit more of an international audience, but at the same time I appreciate that it is an American championship.”
Photo credits: Penske Entertainment | Chris Owens
The 24-year-old also mentioned his desire further along the line to return to endurance racing after the podium finish achieved in Le Mans in 2021 with Iron Lynx:
“I do want to experiment a little bit with IMSA and WEC because I drove Le Mans and I loved it. That is something that I would always been happy to come back to. But the focus for me is IndyCar at the moment. I want to stay in IndyCar and do a good job.”
Discussing his possibilities for the next season, Ilott was extremely thankful to Juncos Hollinger Racing for allowing him to debut in the championship, but mentioned the need for bigger challenges as well:
“In regards to Juncos, obviously they gave me the opportunity to come into IndyCar. As we continue to develop, I see a future, but I also want to win. As a driver you have to be competitive, as an athlete you have to be competitive.”
Ilott had mentioned in an earlier part of the interview that he believes he can achieve a podium with Juncos Hollinger Racing this season already, but is also aware of the advantage the front runners of IndyCar have in terms of resources.
This year has seen Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske, Arrow McLaren and Andretti Autosport dominate for the most part. Juncos are a team who very much punch above their weight considering the resources they currently have.
That’s why the Brit might have to leave Juncos down the track to fulfill his goal of winning races.
“It’s very difficult to keep up with the teams that are putting so much money and time into development. At this moment I am very happy to continue [with Juncos] and keep on working, but at the same I want to win.
“Once there is that point where winning is not possible and I need to, then I will have to maybe review my future in that sense.”
