As the IndyCar season prepares to roll into action, all eyes are on Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR), an underdog team that’s making waves with its strategic changes and ambitious goals. As we gear up for the inaugural practice session of the new season at St. Petersburg, let’s delve into the team’s structure, past achievements, and promising future.
The team’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. Driver Romain Grosjean in the No. 77 Chevy, clinched 17th position in the drivers’ championship, with no wins or poles, but secured one top five and six top 10s. Grosjean was consistently in the race, finishing 15 out of 17 times, with an average starting position of 12.8 and an average finish of 15.6. The No. 78 Chevy, driven by various racers, had a less consistent record.
The team’s 2025 lineup brings fresh vigor. Sting Ray Robb, who finished 20th in 2024, will take the wheel of the No. 77 Chevy. His record from last season shows promise with an average starting position of 23.9 and an average finish of 19.4. Conor Daly, who drove part-time for three teams in 2024 and brought JHR its first podium finish, will drive the No. 78 Chevy.
Significant changes have taken place behind the scenes as well. Team owners Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger, team principal Dave O’Neill, and team manager Tom Edwards are joined by new recruits David Brown as Technical Director, Will Phillips as Head of Trackside Engineering, and Townsend Lucas as No. 77 Race Engineer.
The team’s mantra for the upcoming season is “reboot, rebuild, and rise.” JHR is entering its third consecutive season with significant changes to its driver lineup and senior engineering team. Despite these changes, the crew and infrastructure remain largely the same, indicating a focus on enhancing performance from within.
Team principal Dave O’Neill has been instrumental in bringing stability to the team. His extensive Formula 1 experience and network have helped him attract top talent and foster an environment of professionalism and depth.
The team’s financial strategy has also shifted, transitioning from housing paid drivers to seeking drivers who can contribute to the season’s operating budget. This change reflects the financial realities many teams are grappling with, including industry leaders like Arrow McLaren and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Despite the loss of a major sponsor, driver Conor Daly’s position is secure. Daly, a seasoned driver, is expected to be a reliable performer and mentor for younger teammate Sting Ray Robb, who is on his third team in three years.
The team’s primary goal is to retain its two Leader Circle contracts and make progress on the sponsorship front. There’s a pressing need for the team to strike a balance between its racing performance and its commercial success.
Team principal Dave O’Neill, in an interview with RACER, expressed his faith in the team’s core and his high hopes for the upcoming season. He has set his sights on a couple of podiums and is confident about the team’s chances of securing its first win. He also believes that Conor Daly has what it takes to win the prestigious Indy 500 in a JHR car.
As we anticipate the start of the new season, Juncos Hollinger Racing emerges as a team to watch. Its strategic changes, renewed focus, and ambitious goals could potentially disrupt the status quo and make it a formidable contender in the IndyCar scene.
