After a year away from IndyCar, Devlin DeFrancesco is making a comeback to the series, this time with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL). The team announced on Monday that the 24-year-old Canadian will take the wheel of the #30 entry for the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, marking the next chapter in his motorsport career.
A Fresh Start After a Challenging Stint
DeFrancesco’s previous two seasons in IndyCar (2022 and 2023) with Andretti Autosport were marked by struggles to break into the top 10, with a career-best finish of 12th at World Wide Technology Raceway. However, his racing pedigree, including a victory in the LMP2 class at the 2022 24 Hours of Daytona, highlights his potential to shine in the right environment.
Since leaving IndyCar, DeFrancesco competed in select IMSA events, gaining valuable experience with Forte Racing’s GTD program. His return to the top-tier open-wheel series marks an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and compete against some of the best drivers in the world.
Excitement and Confidence Ahead of 2025
DeFrancesco expressed enthusiasm for his new venture, citing the team’s rich legacy and future ambitions:
“I’m very excited to be back in the IndyCar Series. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has an amazing history and is also on an impressive trajectory. Seeing all the work that is going on from the men and women behind the scenes, it is easy to see that this team and myself are very hungry for results. I look forward to getting started with all the great people here.”
RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal also voiced his optimism about DeFrancesco’s potential:
“We had the chance to witness his ability while he was at Andretti, and there were clearly times when he was quite competitive. I’m confident that we can have a lot of good races together. We’re looking forward to his contribution to the team.”
RLL’s Ambitions and DeFrancesco’s Role
RLL has been making significant strides, aiming to solidify its position among IndyCar’s elite teams. By signing DeFrancesco to a multi-year deal, the team signals its belief in his growth potential. The young driver’s return comes at a critical moment as RLL continues to expand its lineup and infrastructure to challenge established powerhouses like Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing.
DeFrancesco will debut with RLL at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, 2025, as part of a campaign that promises to test his abilities and resilience in a competitive grid.
A Career Reboot for DeFrancesco
With a renewed sense of purpose and the backing of a team committed to fostering his growth, Devlin DeFrancesco’s return to IndyCar could mark the turning point in his career. The 2025 season will be his opportunity to translate his raw talent and diverse racing experience into tangible results.
As the countdown to the new season begins, all eyes will be on whether DeFrancesco can rise to the challenge and make the most of this second chance in one of the most demanding motorsport series.