Juncos Hollinger Racing Overview
Juncos Hollinger Racing is an Argentine-American racing team competing in the IndyCar Series. Founded in 1997 by Ricardo Juncos, the team initially operated out of Argentina before relocating to the United States due to limited racing opportunities in their home country. Now based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the team fields entries primarily with Chevrolet manufacturers and is co-owned by Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger. The team is known for developing emerging talents through various open-wheel racing categories and has competed in multiple feeder series with notable success.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Juncos Hollinger Racing was established in 1997 by Ricardo Juncos in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Initially, the team competed in regional series such as the Formula Renault 1600 and 2000 Championships and the National Sport Prototype Championship of Argentina. In 2003, the team shifted its operations to Miami, Florida, focusing on karting where it secured 19 local, regional, and national titles. This period laid the foundation for the team’s expansion into formula open-wheel racing. By 2008, Juncos Racing had relocated to Indiana, evolving into a formula open-wheel racing team and setting the stage for future participation in higher-level series.
Growth Into IndyCar Series Competition
In May 2015, Ricardo Juncos announced plans to build a new facility in Speedway, Indiana, called the Juncos Technical Center, to support the team’s entry into the IndyCar Series. The 41,000-square-foot facility was a significant investment aimed at establishing a competitive presence in top-tier American open-wheel racing. The team made its IndyCar debut in 2017 at the Indianapolis 500 with drivers Spencer Pigot and Sebastián Saavedra. Over the following years, Juncos Hollinger Racing expanded its operations, including acquiring assets from Carlin and forming technical partnerships to strengthen its competitiveness. The team also secured a partnership with Brad Hollinger in 2021, leading to its current name and renewed focus on the IndyCar Series.
Juncos Hollinger Racing Competitive Journey
Juncos Hollinger Racing has progressed steadily through various racing series, beginning in regional formula championships in Argentina, advancing through the Star Mazda and Indy Pro 2000 Championships, and eventually entering the IndyCar Series. The team has a history of nurturing talented drivers who have achieved success in feeder series before moving to higher competition levels.
Early Seasons and Development (1997–2014)
The team’s early years were marked by competition in Argentine formula racing and karting, where they achieved multiple titles. Upon moving to the United States, Juncos Racing focused on open-wheel development series such as Star Mazda and Pro Mazda. In 2010, driver Conor Daly won the Star Mazda Championship with the team, highlighting their growing competitiveness. By 2014, the team fielded multiple cars full-time in the Pro Mazda Championship, with Spencer Pigot winning the driver’s championship and the team securing the team championship. These successes established Juncos Racing as a strong contender in developmental open-wheel racing.
Breakthrough in IndyCar Series (2017–Present)
Juncos Hollinger Racing made its IndyCar Series debut in 2017 at the Indianapolis 500, marking a significant milestone. The team continued to compete in the series with a focus on developing young talent. Notably, in 2019, Kyle Kaiser qualified the team’s entry for the Indianapolis 500, famously knocking two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso out of the race, creating a memorable underdog story. The team paused its IndyCar participation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2021 after Brad Hollinger joined as co-owner. Since then, the team has expanded to a two-car entry and formed a technical partnership with Arrow McLaren, further enhancing its competitive capabilities. In 2024, Romain Grosjean joined the team, replacing Callum Ilott, signaling the team’s commitment to growth and competitiveness.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2021–Present)
Under the co-ownership of Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger, Juncos Hollinger Racing operates out of Indianapolis with a focus on the IndyCar Series. The team runs Chevrolet-powered cars and is managed by general manager Dave O’Neill. Recent expansions include increasing to a two-car lineup with drivers such as Romain Grosjean and Agustín Canapino. The team has invested in infrastructure and strategic partnerships to enhance performance and aims to establish itself as a consistent competitor in the series. Despite challenges, including the termination of its technical partnership with Arrow McLaren in 2024, the team continues to adapt and pursue long-term success.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Juncos Hollinger Racing emphasizes driver development and technical innovation, focusing on nurturing emerging talent and leveraging strategic partnerships. The team’s strengths lie in its adaptability, engineering expertise, and commitment to competing at the highest level of American open-wheel racing.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments include the team’s IndyCar debut in 2017, the 2019 Indianapolis 500 qualification that excluded Fernando Alonso, and the 2021 partnership with Brad Hollinger leading to the team’s rebranding. The acquisition of Carlin assets and the signing of notable drivers like Callum Ilott and Romain Grosjean mark important milestones in the team’s evolution.
Juncos Hollinger Racing Achievements and Results
Juncos Hollinger Racing has achieved significant success in developmental open-wheel racing series and established a competitive presence in the IndyCar Series. The team has secured multiple driver and team championships in feeder series and has made notable appearances in marquee events like the Indianapolis 500.
IndyCar Series Achievements
Since entering the IndyCar Series in 2017, Juncos Hollinger Racing has competed in 15 races, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500. While the team has yet to secure a race victory or pole position in IndyCar, its qualification efforts and competitive performances have garnered attention. The 2019 Indianapolis 500 qualification, where Kyle Kaiser secured the final spot on the grid, stands out as a highlight. The team continues to build its presence and aims for future victories.
Feeder Series Achievements
Juncos Hollinger Racing has a strong record in feeder series such as Indy NXT (formerly Indy Lights) and the Indy Pro 2000 Championship. The team won the Indy NXT drivers’ championship three times with Spencer Pigot (2015), Kyle Kaiser (2017), and others. In the Indy Pro 2000 Championship, drivers like Conor Daly and Rinus VeeKay secured titles with the team. These accomplishments underscore the team’s expertise in developing competitive drivers and teams in the developmental racing ladder.
