Juncos Hollinger Racing

Juncos Hollinger Racing has emerged as one of the most tenacious and ambitious teams in the NTT IndyCar Series since its founding in 2017. Established by Argentine motorsport veteran Ricardo Juncos, the team represents a fusion of passion, perseverance, and technical expertise, quickly carving out a reputation as a competitive force in one of the most demanding racing series in the world. Based in Indianapolis, the heart of American open-wheel racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing has steadily grown from its roots in junior categories to become a fixture in IndyCar, embodying the relentless spirit of its leadership and crew.

The team’s origins trace back to Ricardo Juncos’ long-standing involvement in motorsport, beginning with his early career in Argentina before relocating to the United States to pursue his ambitions. Initially, Juncos Racing found success in the Road to Indy ladder system, dominating in series such as Indy Lights and USF2000, where it nurtured future IndyCar talent. The leap to IndyCar in 2017 marked a bold expansion, with the team making its debut at the Indianapolis 500 that year. Though initially running a part-time schedule, the team’s potential was evident, and by 2021, it had secured a full-time entry in the IndyCar Series, bolstered by a partnership with British businessman Brad Hollinger, leading to the rebranding as Juncos Hollinger Racing.

While still a young team in the IndyCar paddock, Juncos Hollinger Racing has already notched significant achievements. One of its most memorable moments came in 2017 when the team qualified for the Indianapolis 500 as a single-car entry with driver Sebastian Saavedra, overcoming the odds as a newcomer. In 2021, the team expanded to a full-time effort with driver Callum Ilott, a former Formula 2 standout, signaling its intent to compete at the highest level. Though championships have yet to materialize, the team has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, including strong qualifying runs and competitive race performances, proving it can challenge more established outfits.

The team has been a proving ground for both rising stars and experienced campaigners. Callum Ilott, a highly regarded talent from Europe’s junior formulae, became the team’s first full-time IndyCar driver, bringing speed and technical feedback that helped elevate the program. Other notable names include Kyle Kaiser, who famously bumped Fernando Alonso out of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 in a eventful underdog story, and Agustín Canapino, an Argentine touring car legend who joined the team in 2023, showcasing Juncos’ commitment to fostering diverse talent. The team’s driver selections reflect a blend of youth and experience, aligning with its philosophy of growth and calculated risk-taking.

Technically, Juncos Hollinger Racing operates with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach. Ricardo Juncos, an engineer by trade, instills a culture of precision and innovation, ensuring the team maximizes its resources despite competing against larger, better-funded organizations. The squad runs Dallara chassis with Chevrolet power, leveraging the manufacturer’s technical support while focusing on setup optimization and strategic execution. The team’s engineering group, many of whom have followed Juncos from the Road to Indy days, emphasizes adaptability—a crucial trait in a series where track conditions and competition levels vary eventfulally from week to week.

In the current era, Juncos Hollinger Racing continues to build momentum. The 2023 season saw the team expand to two full-time cars, fielding Callum Ilott and Agustín Canapino, a move that underscored its growing stature. While consistency remains a challenge, the team has shown it can compete for top-10 finishes, with Ilott in particular delivering standout drives on street and road courses. The partnership with Hollinger has provided financial stability, allowing investments in personnel and infrastructure, critical steps in closing the gap to IndyCar’s elite teams. Long-term, the goal is clear: to establish itself as a regular podium contender and eventually a championship threat.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Juncos Hollinger Racing benefits from its proximity to the epicenter of American open-wheel racing. The team’s facility, though modest compared to some of its rivals, is a hub of activity, housing engineering, fabrication, and operations under one roof. The location allows for seamless collaboration with suppliers and technical partners, as well as easy access to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for testing and race preparation. Juncos has often spoken about the importance of the team’s base, emphasizing how its Midwestern work ethic mirrors the team’s relentless drive to improve.

At the helm, Ricardo Juncos remains the team’s driving force. His journey from a young mechanic in Argentina to an IndyCar team owner is a testament to his determination and vision. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Juncos is deeply involved in every aspect of the operation, from technical decisions to fostering team morale. His partnership with Brad Hollinger has brought additional business acumen, helping to secure the team’s future while maintaining its competitive fire. Together, they have cultivated a culture where ambition and pragmatism coexist—a balance essential for sustained success in IndyCar.

Juncos Hollinger Racing’s story is still being written, but its trajectory suggests a team on the rise. With a foundation built on hard work, technical excellence, and strategic growth, it embodies the underdog spirit that defines motorsport at its best. As it continues to evolve, the team’s blend of passion and professionalism may well see it emerge as one of IndyCar’s standout success stories in the years to come.