James Roe Jr. Bio
James Roe Jr. is an Irish racing driver born on October 11, 1998, in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland. He currently competes in Indy NXT driving the No. 29 Honda for Andretti Autosport and participates in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Pratt Miller Motorsports. Roe is recognized for his steady progression through various racing series and is the nephew of former racing driver Michael Roe.
Early Life and Background
James Roe Jr. was born and raised in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland. He began his racing career relatively late compared to many of his peers, starting at the age of fifteen. His family supported his early racing ambitions by saving funds to purchase his first race car, a Ginetta G20, which allowed him to compete in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Ireland series. Roe showed promise early on, securing multiple podium finishes and race wins in the junior series.
In 2015, Roe continued to compete in the Ginetta Junior Ireland series, achieving five race victories and ten podium finishes, ultimately finishing second in the championship standings. Seeking to advance his career, Roe relocated to the United States in 2018, where he has since been based to pursue higher levels of motorsport competition.
Path to NASCAR
While James Roe Jr. has not competed in NASCAR, his career path has focused on open-wheel racing in North America, progressing through the ranks of developmental series such as Indy Pro 2000 and Indy NXT. His move to the United States in 2018 was a strategic step to access more competitive racing opportunities and professional teams. Roe’s career trajectory reflects a commitment to open-wheel racing rather than stock car series like NASCAR.
James Roe Jr. Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Roe’s racing career began in the Ginetta Junior Ireland series, where he competed in 2014 and 2015. His early success included multiple podiums and race wins, signaling his potential in motorsports. These formative years helped him develop racecraft and gain valuable experience in competitive racing environments.
In 2018, Roe made a significant career move by relocating to the United States to pursue opportunities in higher-level racing series. This transition marked the beginning of his journey in American open-wheel racing, setting the stage for his entry into the Road to Indy ladder.
Indy Pro 2000 Breakthrough (2021)
In 2021, James Roe Jr. joined Turn 3 Motorsport to compete in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship. During the season, he demonstrated his growing skill by securing his first win at the final race held at Mid-Ohio. In that race, he finished ahead of notable competitors including Enaam Ahmed and the 2021 series champion Christian Rasmussen. This victory was a pivotal moment in Roe’s career, showcasing his ability to compete and win at a high level.
Indy NXT Era (2022–Present)
Roe progressed to Indy NXT in 2022, initially driving for TJ Speed Motorsports. He achieved three top-ten finishes in nine races before switching to HMD Motorsports for two rounds. Despite missing the final three races, he finished twelfth in the championship standings. In 2023, Roe secured a full-time seat with Andretti Autosport, a leading team in the series. He impressed during testing and went on to earn his first Indy NXT podium with a second-place finish at the Indianapolis Road Course, concluding the season seventh overall.
Continuing with Andretti Autosport in 2024, Roe faced a challenging first half of the season but managed to claim a podium at Barber Motorsports Park and earned his first career pole position at the Iowa oval race, setting a new series lap record. He led most of that race before finishing second. In 2025, Roe remained with Andretti Autosport, finishing twelfth in the standings and competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s Michelin Endurance Cup rounds with Pratt Miller Motorsports, achieving a best result of seventh at Petit Le Mans. Additionally, he joined TF Sport for the 2025–26 Asian Le Mans Series, driving a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside teammates Matt Bell and Blake McDonald.
Driving Style and Strengths
James Roe Jr. is noted for his adaptability across different track types, including road courses and ovals. His racecraft and strategic approach have been evident in his ability to secure podiums and pole positions. Roe’s partnership with Andretti Autosport has provided him with strong technical support, enhancing his performance and consistency in competitive fields.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Roe’s career include his first Indy Pro 2000 victory at Mid-Ohio in 2021 and his first Indy NXT podium at the Indianapolis Road Course in 2023. His pole position and lap record at Iowa in 2024 stand out as signature achievements, demonstrating his speed and competitiveness on oval tracks.
James Roe Jr. Career Wins
James Roe Jr. has accumulated wins primarily in the junior and developmental open-wheel racing series. His notable victory in the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 Championship and multiple race wins in the Ginetta Junior Ireland series highlight his competitive edge in his early career stages.
Indy Pro 2000 Highlights
Roe’s first and only verified win in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship came at the final race of the 2021 season at Mid-Ohio. This win was significant as it came against strong competitors and marked his emergence as a race winner in the Road to Indy ladder.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to his success in the United States, Roe achieved five race wins in the 2015 Ginetta Junior Ireland series, finishing second overall in the championship. These performances laid the foundation for his move to higher-level racing categories.
James Roe Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
James Roe Jr. is the nephew of Michael Roe, a former racing driver. This family connection to motorsport has likely influenced his passion and pursuit of a racing career. Beyond this, specific details about his family background have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
James Roe Jr. resides in the United States, where he has been based since 2018 to advance his racing career. Public information about his personal relationships or family life is not available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, James Roe Jr. continued competing full-time in Indy NXT with Andretti Autosport. Despite a challenging season that included no finishes better than seventh place, he maintained a consistent presence in the series, finishing twelfth in the championship standings. Concurrently, Roe expanded his racing portfolio by participating in the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, achieving a season-best seventh-place finish at Petit Le Mans with Pratt Miller Motorsports. He also prepared for endurance racing in the Asian Le Mans Series with TF Sport, driving a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside experienced teammates. These endeavors reflect Roe’s versatility and ambition to broaden his motorsport experience beyond open-wheel racing.
