Jamie Chadwick will have the opportunity to test an IndyCar for the first time in September with the Andretti team. This comes at a crucial time in the championship’s transfer period. Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, is currently competing in the IndyCar feeder series Indy NXT. She recently achieved her first victory at Road America. While her race results haven’t always reflected her improved qualifying performance, Chadwick remains optimistic about the upcoming test. She expressed her gratitude to the team and her eagerness to learn on one of the most challenging tracks in the calendar.
Michael Andretti, the team’s CEO and chairman, has been impressed with Chadwick’s growth as a driver in their Indy NXT program. He acknowledged the competitiveness of the Indy NXT field and praised Chadwick’s skill and potential. Andretti believes in rewarding hard work and results, which is why they are excited to offer her this opportunity. Chadwick’s progress has been evident, and the team is looking forward to seeing what she can achieve in September.
Chadwick is approaching the end of her second season in the support series. While it may be expected for most drivers to move up to IndyCar or switch to another series at this point, Chadwick’s situation is different. Her debut in Indy NXT in 2023 also marked her first season in US racing. The team has always viewed this as a long-term project to help Chadwick acclimate and improve her skills. Chadwick has always emphasized the importance of earning her opportunities based on merit. Currently, she is fifth in the championship standings with four races remaining.
If Andretti decides to promote Chadwick within the team, they would need to run an additional car. However, all three of their current drivers are under contract. While the team could potentially fund a fourth car for Chadwick, it seems unlikely unless there is collaboration with others and substantial backing. Another option would be to place Chadwick at another team, similar to what Andretti did with Kyle Kirkwood at AJ Foyt Racing. However, Andretti already has a driver, Louis Foster, who is leading the championship and likely to receive funding for IndyCar starts. This makes it challenging to find a suitable opportunity for Chadwick within the team.
Alternatively, Chadwick could consider a third year in Indy NXT. Given her need to gain more experience racing in the US, a strong performance in 2025 could open up more options for her. Chadwick’s recent victory at Road America was impressive, and she has achieved top-10 finishes in her last five races. While the win didn’t lead to a streak of victories and podiums, incidents earlier in the season have hindered Chadwick’s championship position. She will need to showcase her abilities in the remaining NXT races and during the IndyCar test at Barber to make a compelling case for a spot on the IndyCar grid based on merit.
