Jamie Chadwick’s pursuit of a career in top-level single-seater racing has taken a sharp turn as the British racing sensation has announced a shift in focus to endurance racing. After two challenging years in the United States’ Indy NXT series, Chadwick is joining Genesis Racing, Hyundai’s new sportscar program, for a season in LMP2 — including her debut at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The move marks a pause, if not an end, to her ambitions of reaching IndyCar, with Chadwick confirming that the premier single-seater series is “no longer in my immediate plans.”
The Journey So Far: From W Series Glory to US Racing Challenges
Chadwick made history by clinching three consecutive W Series championships before leaping into Indy NXT in 2023, facing a steep learning curve in a new continent, on new tracks, and with unfamiliar oval circuits. Despite these challenges, she broke barriers, becoming the first female driver to win a race on a road or street circuit in the championship.
Her results steadily improved through 2024, highlighted by a standout victory at Road America, though incidents and mechanical issues often marred her performances. Post-season tests with Andretti Autosport in an IndyCar hinted at a potential next step, but the grueling physical demands of IndyCar — combined with limited grid spots and the high-stakes nature of the series — posed significant obstacles.
The Switch to Le Mans: Why Genesis LMP2?
By joining Genesis Racing’s new LMP2 program, Chadwick enters a team with ambitions to redefine endurance racing. Alongside former F1 driver Logan Sargeant, she will compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and tackle the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time. The program provides Chadwick with an opportunity to showcase her adaptability and racecraft in a different discipline.
This career pivot reflects both a calculated choice and practical realities. IndyCar’s charter system limits opportunities, and Chadwick herself has been candid about the physical demands of the series, particularly the lack of power steering and the need for immense upper-body strength in high-G corners.
Chadwick’s Perspective on the Move
In her announcement, Chadwick expressed excitement for the new chapter while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving IndyCar aspirations behind.
“To not be able to finish what I started in Indy NXT is disappointing, but the excitement of this new journey outweighs that. Le Mans has always been a dream, and this opportunity with Genesis is something I couldn’t pass up.”
A Symbol of Progress in Motorsport
While Chadwick’s journey into IndyCar has been put on hold, her story remains a beacon for diversity and inclusion in motorsport. The sportscar switch could be a stepping stone to greater success, allowing Chadwick to carve a unique path in racing history.
Her move to endurance racing brings hope for broader opportunities, and her debut at Le Mans will undoubtedly attract attention. Chadwick’s story is far from over — in fact, it may just be entering its most exciting chapter yet. Could this new challenge prove to be her ticket to motorsport immortality? Stay tuned.
